Dubai Food & Beverage Group Launches ‘Wafaa' Charity Programme

Dubai, UAE, June 7, 2016:   The Food and Beverage Business Group, a non-profit industry organisation under the patronage of Dubai Chamber, today launched ‘Wafaa’, which means ‘giving back to the society’, a food donation initiative where essential food items will be packaged and delivered to the less fortunate in collaboration with the Beit Al Khair Society.

The launch ceremony was held at the Dubai Chamber conference room. Officials who were present at the occasion were: Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice-President of Commercial Services at Dubai Chamber, Mr. Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman, Food & Beverage Business Group (FNBG); Mr. Saeed Mubarak Almazrooei, Deputy Executive Manager of Beit Al Khair Society Dubai, along high officials from Food & Beverage Business Group member companies, Dubai Chamber and Beit Al Khair Society. 

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.

The chairman of Food & Beverage Business Group Mr. Saleh Abdullah Lootah expressed great respect and appreciation for the participating companies. He said: “In first year, a good number of member companies have participated in short notice, which is a great inspiration for all of us to do more for the needy. He thanked companies who participated and also those who committed support to the Wafaa programme.”

He revealed, Wafaa initiative is not only for this Ramadan but is an on-going programme that will run throughout the year to support different charity projects run by Beit Al Khair Society. 

Mr. Saleh said we were able to launch it in an organized manner due to the vital support of Dubai Chamber and Beit Al Khair Society. He thanked the two organisations for supporting supporting FNBG’s social welfare initiatives.

Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice-President of Commercial Services at Dubai Chamber, applauded the role of Food and Beverage Business Group and participants’ efforts to translate the social cause into concrete actions that create happiness in people’s life. The Food and Beverage Group has successfully done that through its partnership with Beit Al Khair Society. He pledged Dubai Chamber’s all out support to the campaign.

Mr. Atiq said, business groups approach us for such programmes, which is great. But we wanted to first start from ourself, from the Dubai Chamber. That is why we have partnered with Food and Beverage Business Group. He briefed the audience about Dubai Chamber’s CSR Programme, which is called Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), under which Dubai Chamber awards CSR Label to private companies. 

Mr. Saeed Mubarak Almazrooei, Deputy Executive Manager of Beit Al Khair Society Dubai, while lauding the noble initiative launched by Food and Beverage Business Group (FNBG), commented: “Ramadan is a month of giving. FNBG and its members have shown that they are keen to give back to the society in the best month when the divine reward for donations multiply manifold. We pay heartfelt gratefulness to the companies who have come forward to extend helping hand with us to support the needy.”

Whilst explaining Beit Al Khair Society work mechanism, Mr. Saeed Almazrooei said, “Since inception, the Society approaches needy families and deserving segments through projects and schemes. It evaluates and delivers the support to the poor, the destitute, the widows, the divorcees, the low-income, the patients, the families of prison inmates, the victims of disasters, the defaulters, the insolvents, the debtors, people of special needs and the orphans. He said, “Beit Al Kheir has achieved a role model status in planning, performance and achievements. 

The Food and Beverage Business Group is made up of many nationalities and religions – but all embrace Ramadan as a special time which strengthens our bonds and brings out the best in us. Most of all, it’s a time to reflect on our many blessings – and to give a helping hand to the less fortunate. Ramadan may be a time of spiritual renewal for Muslims, but the ‘Spirit of Ramadan’ uplifts us all.