Hats off to Mohammed Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and his team, who did a great work to provide 76 million meals within just six days through the 1 Billion Meals initiative, the largest food donation drive of its kind in the region (“Within Just six days, 1 Billion Meals Initiative reaches 76 million meals,” Gulf Today, April 11).

I totally agree with what he said: “The responses we’ve received to the 1 Billion Meals initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the contributions collected from donors across the UAE, including a wide range of businesses and individuals, are rooted in the people’s ethical responsibility and humanitarian commitment.”

The 1 Billion Meals campaign builds on the success of the 100 Million Meals campaign, which ran during Ramadan last year and exceeded all its targets to collect 220 million meals and distribute them around the world.

Charities bring people together who care about a cause so that they can make a difference.

In reality, charitable activities make a vital contribution to the economic, social and political sectors of a nation.

Whatever it is that you care about, there will be a charity working on it. Charities help in lots of different ways, but the main ways are by providing direct help, giving information, or raising awareness of an issue.

In fact, the role of charitable organisations and volunteer work is no less important than the roles of the public and private sectors.

Charities provide essential services that positively impact the lives of citizens, such as building hospitals, schools, orphanages and religious centres.

Abu Ali
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