Associates  of Novartis Middle East donated clothes, shoes, newspapers and magazines at International Humanitarian City (IHC) – Dubai’s  recycling  programme which supports local economies in developing countries, as part of the company’s annual Community Partnership Day.

A group of 15 Novartis employees led the effort by collecting second-hand clothing and reading material from their families, friends and colleagues, which they delivered to IHC for donation to a recycling programme, run  by BCR Global.

The scheme collects donated textiles, sorts and packages them, before sending them onto developing countries around the world where they are sold to local business people, who then sell the clothes and shoes onto customers. In this way, the scheme generates employment supports local economies, with many of Africa’s markets thriving on the supply of quality garments, while ensuring the world’s poorest have access to low cost clothing.

IHC invited Novartis Middle East  as part of their efforts to generate awareness and encourage  the UAE community to get involved in humanitarian/charitable initiatives.

IHC  is a unique global humanitarian hub created by the Government of Dubai under the Directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai,  and chaired by UN Messenger of Peace HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

IHC provides an important logistical hub for humanitarian organisations due to Dubai’s strategic geographical location and fast-track facilities, which allow aid to be shipped quickly and efficiently to the world’s most needy.

“It has been fantastic to link-up with Novartis Middle East for their annual community effort and to facilitate their donation of clothes to the recycling effort, as well as having the opportunity to explain the importance of IHC as a logistics hub for aid agencies, NGOs and charities,” said Makiya Al Hajiri, IHC CEO.