A group of Dutch expatriates donated AED 55,000 today to Earthquake Relief Action Dubai, an organisation formed by Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City, towards the purchase of school tents for earthquake victims in Pakistan. The funds are the proceeds of a private photo exhibition organised by the group with the support of Shell Middle East, Caspian and South Asia.
“The idea was born spontaneously among a few friends who share a love for photography,” said Michael Dukker, organiser of the charitable initiative. “We were shocked by the tragedy in Pakistan and decided to make use of our hobby to raise money for the earthquake victims. We organised an exhibition with 50 works of art that we offered for sale to friends and colleagues. The amount raised by us was generously matched by Shell. We are confident that with the assistance of Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City, our donation will be used in the most effective way”, he added.
“Shell is honoured to have been invited to contribute to this worthy cause. The donation demonstrates the commitment of Shell' Dubai staff and their families to social improvement here and in the wider region. We would like to thank the individuals behind it and laud their efforts,” said Erik Slotboom, VP HR, Shell Middle East, Caspian and South Asia.
The donation was handed over to Earthquake Relief Action Dubai, which was set up in the immediate aftermath of the Pakistan earthquake by Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City for coordinating and facilitating relief aid for earthquake victims.
“Apart from its monetary value, this initiative is important because it proves that Dubai and its corporate community have not forgotten Pakistan,” said Barbara Castek, CEO of Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City. “We are still receiving calls from individuals, groups or companies who want to contribute”, she added.
“After consulting persons working on the field in Pakistan, we decided to use the donation for purchasing thermally insulated school tents, designed especially for the affected mountainous areas in Pakistan”, explained Castek.
Individuals and companies interested in offering donations or other help may contact Relief Action Hotline on +971 50 5023201 or visit www.reliefactiondubai.org.
About Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 145 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit http://www.shell.com
About Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City
Established by the Government of Dubai, Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City is a non profit business organization providing facilities and services for the international relief and development sector.
As the world’s first global humanitarian hub, DAHC's mission is to facilitate, expedite and lower costs of international humanitarian operations by providing specialised services in emergency response and preparedness, procurement support, AIM (Advocacy, Information, Media), training and education and donor coordination support.
DAHC customers and partners include UN agencies, international non–profit organizations and donors, suppliers and service providers to the humanitarian community.
