The 10 million meals campaign has crossed its initial target in just a week after massive outpouring of donations helped in collecting money to buy food for the needy during Ramadan. Contributions from companies and the general public will help buy 11 million meals for individuals and families affected by Covid-19 in the UAE. Launched last week by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign is the UAE’s biggest food distribution drive. It will continue to receive donations during the holy month under the supervision of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund against Covid-19. Nearly 39,000 donors gave money to buy 412,000 meals via SMS, whereas 7,000 donors paid for 859,000 meals on the campaign's website. In-kind donations received through the campaign’s call centre totalled 163,000 meals. Public and private companies and humanitarian organisations donated money for 9.6 million meals. Some companies donated tonnes of fruits like bananas, apples and dates, as well as millions of water bottles. Another company donated ice cream to be distributed with meals and food parcels. “The wide engagement that the ‘10 million meals’ campaign has received reflects the integral role of the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives in bringing together all segments of the society in solidarity against any circumstances,” said Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future Mohammed Al Gergawi.
