Dubai - Monday, January 10th, 2005
The charity walkathon held on Thursday, 6 January, 2005, at the Dubai Autodrome in Dubailand raised over AED 120,000 for the tsunami victims of more than 8 countries.
Put together in four days, with the help of various sponsors, organizers say they are pleased with the amount of funds generated, despite the short notice. Blankets, clothing and other useful items were also donated at the event.
The event was held under the patronage of Dubai Humanitarian City, Union Properties (Dubai Autodrome) and Dubai Media City, and led by the Swiss Academy and Swiss Business Council. All proceeds raised from the event will be channeled through the Dubai Humanitarian City, directly to the affected areas.
The event had a souq area with activities for children, stalls selling arts, crafts and accessories, an exhibit of paintings, music by a DJ, and a team of drummers who led the crowd into a frenzy of African beats. A silent vigil with candle-light and prayers concluded the day-long event. Indian and Pakistani stars, Shilpa Shetty, Urmila Matondkar, Atiqa Odho, Anwar Maqsoob, as well as Z Roberto of FC Bayern Munich, participated in the vigil.
"I would like to thank the participants and organizers for their support, and encourage all people of Dubai to continue to make donations to whatever degree and capacity they can," commented Saeed Ali Bin Suloom, CEO of Dubai Humanitarian City.
Monetary contributions can still be made at the Emirates Bank international, Main Branch Dubai, account no: 0022880555001 (quote " Swiss Dubai Tsunami Walkathon"). To donate money online, please visit www.iahv.org (to be made in favor of The International Association for Human Values).
-Ends-
© Press Release 2005
