Helping Abu Dhabi’s labourers has never been easier, with the launch of this year’s Radisson Blu Box Appeal. Now in its fifth year, the concept is simple. Grab a box from participating hotels and the shopping list attached to this article, head down to your supermarket and spend approximately Dhs100 on small everyday items which will significantly improve the daily life of a labourer working in Abu Dhabi.
Maybe it’s this simplicity and grass-roots feel which has made the appeal such a resounding success. Since its inception in 2008, the charity has grown in both collection areas and sheer volume and value of donations given. Now the appeal covers not just the UAE but Cairo and Bahrain too. A rebranding in 2011 saw the name changed to The Box Appeal but this year has seen possibly the most significant change of all: a move away from summer collections to September/October, in response to feedback from participants who thought more people would get involved if it was later in the year.
The Abu Dhabi operations will be taking place in the Radisson Blu and Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Both hotels are currently handing out empty boxes and both are collection points for returning them once they are full. They’ll then be distributed with the help of the Red Crescent in labour camps around the Abu Dhabi area.
One family getting their boxes together are Abu Dhabi locals the Hoppes. Eva (two and a half) and Millie (five) have been shopping for their boxes with their dad, Ian. ‘It’s a great way to begin engaging the kids in simple discussions about poverty and the act of giving,’ said Ian. Millie told us the boxes were for men who work hard and send their money back to their families, so sometimes there isn’t enough money to buy the things they need. The girls were adamant the box should have a pink toothbrush and Winnie the Pooh toothpaste just like theirs. Both kids seemed to understand the concept and have enjoyed participating.
Craig Bruce, the general manager of Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, echoes this idea of community and giving. He believes The Box Appeal initiative brings communities together to support a good cause and the idea of giving to others: your time, your help, your words.
Last year in Abu Dhabi alone the appeal collected 2,500 boxes, equating to Dhs250,000. Since 2008 the entire appeal across the Middle East, has collected over 30,000 boxes, the equivalent of Dhs3 million. Let’s all help make this year even bigger!
This year’s Box Appeal has already begun and will run until October 31. For more information see www.facebook.com/theboxappeal.
If participating in The Box Appeal inspires you to do more giving back to our communities here in the UAE, Abu Dhabi has a lot of other one-off and year-round causes.
AdoptaCamp is a charity group running various programmes and initiatives for labourers. Activities include distributing care packages, appeals, hygiene workshops, English language classes, counselling sessions and much more. Activities run year round and volunteers are always needed. Visit www.adoptacamp.ae for more information.
The concept behind the One Million Volunteers Campaign is simple: one million volunteers from all backgrounds and vocations dedicating one million hours of voluntary work in the community. Patronised by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the campaign implements sustainable community development and humanitarian programmes. It’s open to all members of society from the UAE and abroad. So if you have something to give and a free hour each week contact zayedgiving@gmail.com.
If you’re passionate about conservation, the Emirates Wildlife Society has a great volunteer opportunity for you. Help promote the sustainable fisheries Choose Wisely programme by becoming one of their community representatives. In return they give you training, promotional goodies and a T-shirt! See EWS-WWF on Facebook for details.
There are also numerous other volunteering opportunities through www.takatof.ae, including at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and through www.volunteerinabudhabi.com.
Shopping List
1. T-shirt
2. Cap
3. Disposable razor
4. Shaving cream
5. Deodorant
6. Toothbrush
7. Toothpaste
8. Small hand towel
9. Comb
10. Antibacterial soap
11. Shampoo
