Under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City (IHC), HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the “End Hunger, Walk the World” will kick of tomorrow, Friday, June 4th at The Dubai Mall in support of the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
The walk will start at 10am at the mall’s Lower Ground Floor Star Atrium and is expected to attract approximately 3500 participants.The organizers, which include global sponsors TNT Express and Unilever, and local supporters International Humanitarian City, the Red Crescent and The Dubai Mall, are hoping to generate at least 150,000 AED for the WFP’s school feeding programmes and education initiatives led by the Red Crescent.
“We anticipate a lot of support for the “Walk the World” campaign and hope that everyone will make the effort to join us at The Dubai Mall to help raise desperately needed funds,” said Makiya Al Hajiri, CEO of International Humanitarian City. “IHC remains committed to facilitating and promoting aid development efforts to positively impact lives and we are very excited to be able to support WFP and its sponsors during this fund-raising activity. “
“The response to the campaign has been amazing. Companies, organisations and individuals from across the country have committed to joining us, with major companies already pre-registering large numbers of staff,” stated Mark Woodcock, Sales and Commercial Director at TNT Express (UAE). “One of the retailers has even donated a jewelry set worth 5,000 AED to raffle for charity. There will be face painters and other entertainers as well as lots of great giveaway items in the registration pack which are likely to sell out fast. The more money we raise, the more children we feed. It’s that simple.”
Head of the UAE Red Crescent (Dubai branch), Mohammed Abdullah Alhaj Al Zarouni said, “There are people in need all over the world and organisations like the Red Crescent and the UN’s WFP are doing their best to respond to that need. For this to happen, we must show our support, build awareness and most importantly, help raise funds in any way possible. We are glad to be of help in any which way we can.”
“Walk the World” will be held at The Dubai Mall, a location chosen for its convenience, available parking, size and air conditioning. “Walk the World” in the UAE is taking place two days prior to the global event, on the weekend, to accommodate those who would normally be unable to attend during the work week.