• Organisation is already ramping up efforts to help support those in need ahead of the Holy Month
• Volunteers to make a difference to the lives of more than 150 families

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16 June, 2015: Emirates Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation set up by the Abu Dhabi government to facilitate public-private funded initiatives to improve the welfare of people across the UAE, plans to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of needy people with the launch of its Takatof Ramadan Project.

Takatof volunteers have already started preparations for this year’s Ramadan project by conducting surveys to assess the needs of the most deserving families in the country. Since its inception, the project has helped more than 1000 families and is this year expected to help more than 150 needy Emirati families by providing them with basic necessities such as food and electrical appliances.

Now in its ninth year, the Takatof Ramadan Project is one of the key initiatives of the Takatof Social Volunteering Programme of Emirates Foundation and comprises eight different activities designed to help people across all six Emirates of the UAE while promoting the culture of volunteerism. Companies that will be making a financial contribution to this year’s project include Dolphin, NBAD, ADCB, NDC, AMMROC, Emirates Islamic bank and Lulu Trading.

Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at Emirates Foundation, said: “The Takatof Ramadan project aims to boost and encourage humanitarian and charitable activities that have become such a distinct part of the UAE culture thanks to the UAE’s wise leadership.

“By volunteering and giving back to those who are most in need, we aim to strengthen our relationship and interaction with the community and contribute towards cementing the values of giving and solidarity, expanding the scope and scale of humanitarian work and promoting the spirit of volunteerism.

“The desire and determination of the UAE people to build a safe and healthy society and to care for others who are less fortunate knows no bounds and, through our efforts, we look forward to helping as many people as possible all across the country.”

The Takatof Ramadan project, which is set to attract more than 800 volunteers, will kick off with visits to needy families in the UAE before the start of Ramadan followed by the Ramadan Majilis will take place during the first week of Ramadan. This key event provides the opportunity for members of the community to mentor volunteers and share their volunteering experience and knowledge.

Helping labourers during Ramadan is one of the most prominent activities carried out by Takatof. Volunteers will distribute towels, water, juices and toothbrushes, among other things, on site to help labourers working outside in the high summer temperatures. Volunteers will also prepare Iftar meals for labourers and people of limited income during the Holy Month.

Among the other activities which will be carried out in the coming weeks are renovation work to the houses of needy families, assisting those with special needs perform their Al Omra duties, helping rehabilitate young offenders back into society through sports and other activities and providing the opportunity for volunteers to come up with a volunteering idea under the umbrella of the Ramadan project which will be carried out across the region.

Inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Takatof fosters a culture of volunteering throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Launched in 2007, it offers the nation’s youth meaningful opportunities to volunteer for important social causes and encourages engagement in public service. Takatof members are ambassadors of the culture of volunteering and they represent the culture of social solidarity, support and giving and embody the noble values of the Emirate people.