Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Diab Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Al Ain Rotana will soon host its third Walk for a Cause on Friday, February 22. With the purpose of raising funds for children suffering from different types of cancer, the walk will take place in collaboration with the Red Crescent Authority. Having hosted similar successful events in the past, Al Ain Rotana is looking forward to making the 2013 edition of this walk an even bigger success.
Beginning at 8.30am on Friday, visitors can register at the Al Ain Rotana for the 4km walk, which will last from 9am-noon. In previous years, walkers included people from all age groups. Donning white T-shirts with yellow ribbons, participants will join in a community effort to collect funds for this cause. The proceeds from the day go to the Paediatrics Oncology Patients programme through the Red Crescent Authority. The aim is to improve research for children suffering from the disease. Mr. Ayman Gharib, the general manager of Al Ain Rotana, said: ‘We are not only a business but also have a social responsibility to serve the people of our community. The first walkathon held on March 18, 2011, raised over Dhs70,000 and the second one held on February 24, 2012, raised a remarkable Dhs180,000. This year we are expecting many more participants as the walkathon has become an annual event for schools, businesses and other groups.’
For the price of just Dhs10 for children and Dhs30 for adults, participants will get to share in an exhilarating experience; pulling with the community to raise money and hope for children suffering from cancer. ‘Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing smiles on the faces of these little angels,’ said Mr. Gharib.
Al Ain Rotana’s Walkathon will combine sports and fun for visitors of all ages. Following the walk, participants can return to the hotel for a day of various activities, such as face-painting, arts and crafts activities, as well as snacks and gift bags. It’s not just the participants who enjoy the event; some of the patients turn up to partake in the day themselves. For the children who are well enough to participate, the event gives them a chance to see how much the community cares, as well as enjoy the experience of being a child.
The annual Walkathon event is held in collaboration with the Red Crescent Authority, a humanitarian organisation established in the region in 1983. The UAE Red Crescent Authority gained international recognition on August 27, 1986 when it became the 139th member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Today RCA is a trusted brand in the community, because they are very active in bringing relief and aid to people who need it across the world and region.
Since opening its doors in Al Ain, the hotel has engaged in several charitable and humanitarian causes. With this third annual Walkathon, the hotel hopes to show the community how pulling together can benefit a greater cause. The event will also provide a fun day of activities for all, who march on in unison for the little ones in need.
For more information email marketing.alain@rotana.com (03 754 5111).
