UAE TV channels and radio stations launch campaign to aid Somalia

The National staff

ABU DHABI // A charity telethon on aiming to raise urgent aid for tens of thousands of Somali children facing starvation was launched on Friday.

Television channels and radio stations across the country are supporting Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘For You, Somalia’ campaign broadcasting numbers that residents can text to make a donation.

The unified media campaign was telecast on Abu Dhabi TV from 2pm to 4pm, on Dubai TV from 4pm to 6pm, on Sharjah TV from 6pm to 7.30pm, and again on Abu Dhabi TV from 7.30pm to 8pm.

Earlier this month, Emirates Red Crescent launched the campaign to provide suffering Somalis with food, water, medicine and other necessities to help them survive their third famine in 25 years.

The gesture was under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

About 360,000 Somalian children are estimated to be suffering from acute malnutrition, the UN has warned.

The public can donate on the Emirates Red Crescent’s official website, www.rcuae.ae, or by sending a text message.

Du subscribers can donate Dh10 by sending an text message to 7110, Dh50 to 7150, Dh100 to 7100 and Dh200 to 7200.

Etisalat users can donate Dh10 by sending a text message to 4010, Dh50 to 7050, Dh100 to 7100 and Dh200 to 7200.

The campaign will be monitored by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority.

Donations can also be made through Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s account AE97050000000020000307, Dubai Islamic Bank AE650240003520467890701, Sharjah Islamic Bank AE130410000011445518014, and Al Hilal Bank AE720530000026419000166.

Emirates Red Crescent has also set up 20 donation stalls across the country in malls, banks and offices, where people can donate money and goods.

SOURCE:THENATIONAL