Etisalat staff actively participate in toy collection drive for needy kids

· Nationwide campaign by Etisalat staff to draw a smile on children’s faces, in collaboration with Toys with Wings · Collected toys distributed to needy children in hospitals & refugee camps around the world· · CSR initiatives an integral part of Etisalat long-term vision & strategy Etisalat staff joined hands with Toys With Wings and Emirates Red Crescent for the toy collection drive to bring smiles and happiness to less fortunate children around the world this Eid Al Fitr. As part of the Eid gift campaign, Etisalat’s CSR team placed boxes in the foyer of its buildings in the UAE for employees to give away children’s toys. The gift-giving initiative received an overwhelming response across the UAE. Dr Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, said: “We are delighted to partner with Toys With Wings and Emirates Red Crescent on this initiative that go a long way towards putting a smile on the faces of these children and make a difference in their lives. “Corporate social responsibility is a key pillar in our operations and we believe that it is important to contribute to communities where we operate and improve people’s lives. We are also working on a number of initiatives of the government in its goals of giving back to the society.”

Abdullah Al Haj Al-Zarouni, Director of the Emirates Red Crescent Dubai branch, said: “We would like to commend Etisalat for its initiative, which is vital in promoting more social cohesion through humanitarian work. Etisalat’s CSR initiative goes a long way to bring happiness to needy children in time for Eid.” For her part, Mouna ElHaimoud, Toys with Wings founder, said: “We all know how important play is to children, especially those affected by conflict and poverty. We cannot thank Etisalat and its CSR team enough for this wonderful participation, which will enable children in need around the world to join the festivities this coming Eid and be just as joyful as the rest of society.” The assortment of toys collected from 14 ^th to 27 ^th May 2019 will be distributed to needy children in time for Eid al Fitr. Registered under Emirates Red Crescent, Toys with Wings, founded by Moroccan journalist Mouna ElHaimoud in 2015, collects used and new toys to distribute them inside refugee camps, orphanages, children’s villages and paediatric hospitals round the world. A number of public and private companies contribute in donating toys to needy children in other countries. Since the initiative was launched, more than 250,000 toys were distributed in 14 countries.