Shell participates in fundraising drive under the auspices of Mohammad Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development

The Big Breakfast took place in the Shell offices complex on the ground floor of City Tower 2 on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road. Proceeds from the event will go for funding research into thalassaemia, a disorder that affects a significant percentage of the UAE population, providing education for patients, conducting prevention programmes and ensuring support to families of patients.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Head of External Affairs and HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment), Shell said:

"Shell's participation in the Mohammad Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development allows the company to fulfill the objectives of its Corporate Social Responsibility by supporting a local cause in the UAE and further enhance and support the initiatives taken under the Sheikh Mohammed Programme for National Development."

A unique initiative in the Middle East, the Big Breakfast campaign enjoys the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, and aims to raise resources for the total eradication of thalassaemia in the UAE by 2012.

"Shell demonstrates its commitment to the UAE community by joining efforts with groups like Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme through many initiatives such as the White Stick Gala Dinner," added Al Mahmoudi.

The White Stick Dinner and auction was held recently to raise funds for Tamkeen, the centre for visually impaired persons founded by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and for ABLE UAE, the non-profit organisation engaged in providing education to special needs persons. White Stick is a representative organisation that works to improve special needs education.

"Shell is happy to be involved with issues that directly impact the health and well-being of the UAE National population. The Big Breakfast fund-raiser is Shell's contribution to the eradication of the widely prevalent disorder, thalassaemia, and to the improvement of healthcare facilities and services in the UAE. Our support for the White Stick Gala Dinner and auction, speaks of Shell's commitment to help individuals with special needs become a part of mainstream society and lead productive lives."

Shell has, over the years, contributed to generating employment for National youth under the Emirates Nationals Development Programme, enhanced environmental awareness through the Shell Better Environment Award, and has supported entrepreneurship through the Intilaaqah programme and the Emirates Businesswomen Award.