Dh1b raised as UAE community steps up to help the Covid-hit

Dubai - The campaign saw over 30,000 contributions that helped more than 400,000 people across Abu Dhabi.

A community drive launched in Abu Dhabi amid Covid-19 has helped raise over Dh1 billion to help those affected by the pandemic. The Authority of Social Contribution's (Ma'an) 'Together We Are Good' campaign helped raise Dh438 million in funds and over Dh600 million in-kind within 100 days.

It saw over 30,000 contributions that helped more than 400,000 people across Abu Dhabi. The first-of-its-kind programme focussed on bringing the community together to help those hit by the crisis. The funds have been used towards providing medical and educational support as well as food supplies and basic needs.

Additionally, thousands of people pledged their time as volunteers, changing the paradigm of social support programmes and setting a new standard of community response to future challenges.

Over 27 million healthy meals were distributed to workers across 35 complexes; 1,744 front-line medical workers benefited from accommodation rooms at hotels and villas; over 20,000 food baskets of high quality, nutritious and healthy essential food and kitchen cupboard items including rice, pasta, dates, beans, tea, jam and noodles, were distributed among 40,000 people.

In addition, 24 government entities stepped forward to donate over 4,000 laptops and tablets to help support children continue their education at home. The programme has financially supported more than 8,000 students to ensure continuity of education.

Employees from Mubadala, Arkan and Emirates Steel also donated part of their monthly salaries to the programme. With 96 community groups also contributing and over 6,000 people volunteering, the 'Together We Are Good' programme reflects the true values of social cohesion and unity in Abu Dhabi.
The giving continues
Ma'an said the programme's 100-day milestone provides an opportunity to build on this success as the government continues its efforts towards normalising social and economic life for people and businesses across the country.
Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, said: "I am proud of the rapid response shown by all members of the UAE community during the past 100 days by achieving the goals for which it was established: To provide a dignified life for both citizens and residents."
Dr Al Khaili thanked the UAE community for the "demonstration of social cohesion and unity in times of crisis".
Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of Ma'an, said she was "continually moved, impressed and astounded" by the depth and strength of the response from everyone in Abu Dhabi. "These unprecedented times have forged an unprecedented display of community spirit and togetherness.
"To have sustained such positive momentum and to have helped so many people was beyond what we thought possible, and, through our unity and selfless actions, we have created a wonderful legacy that we can all justifiably be proud of."
Share your story
Ma'an has called on the community to help celebrate the success of the 'Together We Are Good' campaign. Residents have been asked to share their own personal stories through '#100DaysMaan'.
"Whether it's pride in our medical workers, or our sense of social unity, it offers a chance for everyone in Abu Dhabi to tell their stories and provide a platform for people to share their personal experiences, as well as inform others why the Emirate is a special place to live during challenging times," Ma'an said.

.@maanabudhabi 'Together We Are Good' programme marks 100 days of giving and community spirit, along with 30K contributions used to provide support across four key areas to more than 400K residents in Abu Dhabi affected by the health and economic situation. pic.twitter.com/BIS41Spl77
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• Abu Dhabi