Ten-hour telethon raises Dh6.5 million for Lebanese relief

SHAJRAH — More than Dh6.5 million was donated yesterday between 2pm and 10pm by UAE nationals and expatriates as well as establishments during a 10-hour telethon which was aired live by Sharjah-based television channels and radio stations to raise funds for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Afkar Ali Ahmed

Published: Sat 5 Aug 2006, 11:00 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:01 PM

The move is part of the campaign titled 'Together for Lebanon' organised by Sharjah TV in cooperation with Sharjah Family Supreme Council.

The programme was organised under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, Wife of the Sharjah Ruler, and Chairperson of the Family Supreme Council.

The first donation was made by Sharjah Islamic Bank which donated Dh2 million, followed by Ghanim Saeed Al Suwaidi, who donated Dh1 million, and Abdullah Al Sari Group of Companies and Bukhatir Group of Companies which donated Dh1 million each.

A large number of volunteers from Sharjah Volunteers Associations and Family Supreme Council received donation

commitments through telephone calls and faxes from people of goodwill from the UAE and other countries.

Sharjah TV also hosted Islamic preachers and scholars from Arab countries including Dr Omar Abdul Kafi, prominent scholar, and Abullah Al Kahlawi, Professor of Islamic studies.

Speaking to Sharjah TV, Consul-General Duna Al Turk said that the humanitarian situation is worsening and needs immediate response from the organisations. More than 900,000 Lebanese were displaced from southern region of Lebanon and more than 500,000 relocated to Syria.

Sharjah TV had set up a dedicated call centre which was taking up calls simultaneously, and callers were required to provide full name, contact details, and the amount pledged. The phone lines were to close at 12 midnight UAE time but the campaign will continue to accept donations from those who do not get a chance to donate during the ten hours assigned for the campaign. Other payment options include bank transfers, cheques and through direct deposit to the account at the Sharjah Islamic Bank.