F&B launches ‘Wafaa’ charity plan

Dubai / Emirates Business

The Food and Beverage Business Group, (F&B) operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) launched ‘Wafaa’, meaning ‘giving back to the society’, a food donation initiative which involves packaging and delivering essential food items to the less fortunate in collaboration with the Beit Al Khair Society (BAKS)
The launch ceremony was held at Dubai Chamber in the presence of Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman, Food & Beverage Business Group, Saeed Mubarak Almazrooei, Deputy Executive Manager, Beit Al Khair Society Dubai, and other officials.
The participants in the first campaign under “Wafaa” initiative, who committed food donations are Dubai Refreshments (Pepsi), Unilever, Unikai, Al Islami Foods, Emirates Macaroni Factory, United Foods, Al Rawdah Foods and Al Barakah Dates Factory.
Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the participating companies, Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman, Food & Beverage Business Group, said: “In its first year, a good number of member companies have participated in such a short notice, which is a great inspiration for all of us to do more for the needy.”
He added that the Wafaa initiative is not only for Ramadan but this is an on-going programme that will run throughout the year to support different charity projects run by Beit Al Khair Society.
Lootah said that this initiative was launched in an organised manner due to the vital support of Dubai Chamber and Beit Al Khair Society as he thanked the two organisations for supporting the Group’s social welfare initiatives.
Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, stated that such initiatives showcase the participants’ CSR side which is today an important strategy of successful companies as these initiatives not only contribute to social causes but also help improve the reputation of the participating companies as responsible business organisations. On its part, Dubai Chamber will continuously support all such initiatives that serve the community and reinforce the organisation’s leadership in the area, he said.
Saeed Mubarak Almazrooei, Deputy Executive Manager, Beit Al Khair Society Dubai, said: “Ramadan is a month of giving and the Food and Beverages Group and its members have shown that they are keen to give back to the society in the holy month when the divine reward for donations multiply manifold. We convey our heartfelt and sincere thanks to the companies who have come forward to extend a helping hand to the needy.”
He added, “Since its inception, Beit Al Kheir approaches needy families and deserving segments through projects and schemes while helping the poor, destitute, widows, divorcees, people with low-income, patients, families of prison inmates, victims of disasters, defaulters, insolvents, debtors, people with special needs and orphans as the Society has achieved a role model status in planning, performance and achievements.