Majid Al Futtaim extends charity drive this Ramadan

This year, Majid Al Futtaim Group's UAE shopping malls are extending their own commitment to social responsibility through their annual Ramadan charity initiative, 'Make a Difference this Ramadan.'

For what will be the third consecutive year that its four malls, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Sharjah City Centre and Ajman City Centre have organised its collection drive, the group has decided to widen the month-long program to cover its malls in Egypt and Oman. The decision follows on from last year's successful scheme which saw around 70,000 items collected from malls within the UAE, all of which found a new home with those who are most in need.

The 'Make a Difference this Ramadan' charity initiative encourages customers to donate a number of specific items such as used eyeglasses and spectacles, clothing, mobile phones and books, in special collection points placed in each mall. These items are then distributed, with the help of the UAE Red Crescent Society, to relevant charities in their area.

"Our Ramadan charity campaign is growing in popularity among our customers as our malls are central features of the urban landscape and focal meeting points for friends and families. They appreciate the fact that we are one with them in celebrating the true spirit of the season,"

said Fareed Abdelrahman, Vice President, Divisional Asset Manager for MAF Properties.

"This year, we will be extending our popular Ramadan charity campaign beyond the UAE for the first time, to include areas outside the country. We have been able to do this only because of the incredible generosity shown by members of the public that have made our previous years' Ramadan charity programmes such a success," he added.

Visitors to the malls who choose to donate to the programme will receive special offer coupons from participating retailers, a small gesture of appreciation for their generosity.

The 'Make a Difference this Ramadan' collection campaign commences from the first day of Ramadan. For the UAE this year, the Juma Al Majid for Culture and Heritage will receive all books donated, the Al Ihsan Charity Centre all spectacles and The Red Crescent Society all clothes and mobile phones. Ultimately, all items collected will be distributed to needy and underprivileged people across the region.