Dubai - Sunday 2 January, 2005

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, a charity walkathon will be held on Thursday, 6 January, 2005, at the Dubai Autodrome, to raise funds for the growing number of the Tsunami disaster victims.

The recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in 40 years, sent an unprecedented tsunami rolling from Indonesia to Africa, devastating more than 8 countries. The death toll is said to have soared to nearly 127,000 on Saturday, and is still rising. Analysts have estimated damages from the disaster at about $14 billion, which does not include potential losses of business and productivity. People across the world have opened their hearts and wallets to help victims.

In line with this unified global effort, Dubai Humanitarian City and the International Association for Human Values took action through the Tsunami Relief Operations initiative. Over 100 tons of relief materials including food, clothing, blankets and water have been sent by sea, and another 80 were airlifted to various parts of the affected region. "We are glad to be in the position to offer help during this very tragic time, and I hope we'll see a healthy number of participants at the walkathon," said Saeed Ali Bin Suloom, CEO, Dubai Humanitarian City.

As an ongoing effort to raise funds, the Charity Walkathon extends the opportunity for helping to all citizens of Dubai. Taking place at the Dubai Autodrome in Dubailand, the walkathon will start at 1.00 p.m., although participants can join the walk any time thereafter. There will be a parallel marathon for child participants. While fee for participation is left to the discretion of the participant, its organizers have provided a guideline of AED 70 for adults and AED 20 for children under 12 years of age.

"To offer as much assistance and support at a time like this is the social responsibility of public and private companies alike. I encourage all companies to offer some degree of sponsorship to this very important and urgent cause," commented Simon Azzam, CEO of Union Properties, Director of Dubai Autodrome.

Supporters, sponsors and families of participants are also invited to join as spectators in the stands around the various tracks. The proceeds of this charity will go to Dubai Humanitarian City, an entity that has already been very active in their support of the Tsunami disaster.

Asked about how the Charity walkathon initiative started, Dr. Till Stoll, the CEO of Swiss Academy Dubai said, "The Swiss Academy and the Swiss Business Council in Dubai decided to take immediate action to help the Tsunami victims. What was planned as a charity run in Media City became a Dubai-wide fundraising campaign. We already had an enormous and speedy response, and in the name of the Dubai Swiss community I want to express my deepest gratitude to all people and organisations involved for their complete engagement in this cause."

Registration for the Charity Walkathon can be done at Dubai Internet City Food Court in Building 3, Knowledge Village Food Court, and Dubai Media City Building 2 (La Moda Entrance), from Monday to Wednesday, between 11.30 am and 5.30 pm. Other locations include Deira City Centre and Sharjah Mega Mall, where registration can be done from Monday to Wednesday, between 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm. On Thursday, registration can only be done at the Dubai Media City, between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm. Registration can also be done on site, at the Dubai Autodrome, on the day of the walkathon, from 1.00 pm onwards.  

While all kinds of contributions are welcome, there is a pressing need for monetary contributions. All contributions will be channeled through the Dubai Humanitarian City. For those wanting to make monetary contributions online, this can be done at www.iahv.org (to be made in favor of The International Association for Human Values). For those wanting to contribute clothes, food or other necessities, there are several collection centers around the city.

For more information, please contact Dubai Media City Customer Service Centre on: 04 391 4555, or email: Customercare@dubaimediacity.ae

Companies wishing to sponsor this cause, and take on a bigger social responsibility role, please contact Ms. Labiba Laith at labiba.laith@dubaimediacity.ae or on 04 391 3913.

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© Press Release 2005