World’s largest charity collection box launched at shopping mall

Measuring a staggering five metres by 12 metres and set to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, this collection box was unveiled in the China Court at the mall.

David Thurling, Chief Executive Officer of Istithmar Retail of Ibn Battuta Mall, said: “This initiative gives us great pride as one of the leading shopping malls in the UAE to join hands with a prominent local charity organisation. We hope to make a difference by providing a platform for Beit Al Khair’s fund-raising efforts and hosting the world’s largest charity box”.

Mohammed Bakkar bin Haider, General Manager of Beit Al Khair Society, thanked Ibn Battuta Mall for the joint, unique project.

He said: “Their commitment is a testament to the goodwill of our community and society’s spirit of giving. Funds raised from this initiative will help us continue to provide support for the needy”.

Later, Thurling along with Bakkar bin Haider presented the sponsors of the event with gifts. Through this initiative, shoppers will have the opportunity to make donations in aid of the underprivileged in the UAE, including orphans and widows.

An invitation will also be sent to school students to take part in this donation so that they can feel the spirit of sharing.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds collected throughout the month will go to help the less fortunate in Lebanon. The sale of Emirates and Lebanese flags will take place and the revenues shall also go for the same case. A total of 5,100 families shall benefit from the donations which are expected to be up to Dh100 million.

So far, Dh22 million have been raised. The Ibn Battuta Mall will host the charity box for one month and then it will shift to the Global Village and other centres.