DDF duo conquers High Atlas Challenge for charity

. Hiking, trekking, and camping near riversides and experience living like ancient Ait Atta monads, a way of life handed down through centuries.

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Published: Sat 28 Jun 2014, 1:35 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 9:17 PM

Ranido and Esgana at summit of Mount Toubkal. — Supplied photo

Dubai Duty Free welcomed and congratulated its two employees who have returned from a successful trekking for a cause — The High Atlas Challenge in Morocco. As part of the operations on-going support to the Dubai-based charity organisation, Gulf For Good (G4G) has raised almost Dh60,000 for charity.

The amount raised — which includes a Dubai Duty Free contribution from its management and staff — will be donated to the ‘Education For All’ (EFA) in Morocco to help build the fifth boarding house for the girls in the High Atlas Mountains.

The two Dubai Duty Free ambassadors, Rosalyn Ranido (IT) and Jerome Esgana (Retail), along with like-minded adventurers completed the six-day trekking challenge packed with fun and adventure. Hiking, trekking, and camping near riversides and experience living like ancient Ait Atta monads, a way of life handed down through centuries.

They spent more than 30 hours of combined days of trekking ascending from an altitude of 1,225m pushing themselves to as high as 4,167m to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal — the highest peak in North Africa, where they enjoyed uninterrupted spectacular views of the High Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert. Dubai Duty Free’s executive vice chairman, Colm McLoughlin said,” We are delighted to be a part of another successful event supporting Gulf for Good and its sponsored charity ‘Education For All’. Year after year, we have staff stepping forward to actively participate in different charitable causes and raise much needed funds for worthy causes.” “I couldn’t be more proud of our employees and their dedication to giving back. Well done to our two staff!” added McLoughlin.

The challenge also gave them an opportunity to explore the vibrant and colourful city of Marrakech where they visited the ‘Education For All’ charity and the site for the fifth boarding house located in Dar Asni. Due to open in time for the academic year in September, it can accommodate of up to 36 young girls from rural Moroccan communities, in order for them to continue their education beyond primary school without having to go through the same rough trail every day.

Rosalyn Ranido said, “To most of us, trekking mountains is a hobby that allows us to be one with nature. But to the girls living in the rural communities of the High Atlas Mountains, it is their daily struggle to education. I am glad to be part of this worthy cause and I thanked Dubai Duty Free and Gulf For Good for the unforgettable experience! “

Jerome Esgana said, “I may not be a seasoned climber, but with strong determination and will to help the young girls of the High Atlas Mountains, I was able to overcome hindrances and surpassed all obstacles to reach the summit. I am forever grateful to Dubai Duty Free and Gulf for Good for this amazing experience. The saying “where the mind goes, the body will follow” is indeed true!” Through its Corporate Responsibility Department, Dubai Duty Free supports a great number of worthy causes and is particularly keen to work with causes that benefit the lives of children.