Corporates accelerate CSR activities for Year of Giving

A rising trend in CSR initiatives and programmes is being seen in the country ever since 2017 was declared the Year of Giving. With companies getting involved, their activities are not restricted to skills improvement or employee welfare initiatives - now, they are diversifying their social projects.
One example is Medwin Medical Centre in Dubai, which plans to conduct awareness programs on the rising social media/internet/gaming addiction among kids and teenagers. The centre wants to educate parents and teachers about the adverse consequences of internet addiction, so that they can help their children overcome the problem.
"Via a 30-minute session, our target is to motivate the younger generation to involve themselves in creative imagination, physical play and social interaction. We will get leading psychologists/speakers from the UAE and India for this programme; the DHA approval to run it is almost ready," a spokesperson for the Centre informed.
Another company striving to make difference in the lives of others is MySewingMall.com. This dedicated online shopping portal for sewing and embroidery products in the Mena region has joined hands with a couple of charity organisations to help out the underprivileged in society.
S. A. Khan, CEO of MySewingMall.com, noted: "We are planning to provide free classes and sewing machines to the needy, particularly housewives who want to start something on their own. We will also provide material to charity organisations so that they can make and distribute pillows or cushions to the labour community across the UAE".
As a part of their CSR, Nahtam, a social organisation based in Abu Dhabi is inviting companies to share their initiatives and programmes - to publish in their CSR project book Good Deeds - Inspire The World. The book will be distributed free of cost in all government and private schools in the UAE, ministries, government departments, embassies, social and cultural clubs and libraries. The book is scheduled to release mid-year.
Tristar Group, a fully integrated logistics solution provider based in Dubai, has been associated with a number of initiatives for the welfare of the working community and is looking forward to it this year as well. Eugene Mayne, CEO, said: "We have always taken care of the communities where the company operates and will continue to do so in the future. Over the years, we have developed a strong CSR culture and it is an integral part of the company's business strategy today".
Al Dobowi Group, a family-owned conglomerate, understands that giving back to the society is a privilege as much as a responsibility. Being able to make a small difference in someone's life is inspiring. "We are honoured to support education for children; we are also equally pleased to support senior citizens - both are the backbone of society. The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving was an exceptional idea," said Surender Kandhari, chairman, Al Dobowi group.
First Central Hotel Suites is leading an environmental initiative to raise awareness about the need to conserve our environment. Wael El Behi, general manager, thinks that by changing day-to-day habits, we could all make the world a better place for our future generations. "We are working on the initiative for years and this year, we're planning to take it to the next level and come up with few plans in line with our agenda".
ankita@khaleejtimes.com