Abu Dhabi's Ma'an support scheme delivers 512 food baskets

A total of 512 food baskets have been delivered to families in Abu Dhabi impacted by the economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis as part of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an support scheme.

Volunteers from the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon, as well as resident expats from a range of Asian, North American, European and African countries, worked across the weekend to stock the baskets with healthy essential food and kitchen cupboard items including rice, pasta, dates, beans, tea, jam and noodles.

The scheme will continue for the next three months at Lulu Coop, Abu Dhabi Coop and Al Ain Coop.

Mubarak Al Ahbabi, an Emirati volunteer, said: “As the youth, we are here to offer our support in these times. It’s the least we can do to offer our thanks to the UAE, thanks to everything it has done for us.”

While Lalita Davies, a Ma’an volunteer who hails from Belgium but now lives in Abu Dhabi, added: “I would encourage everybody to volunteer at this time. It’s a time for the community to come together – people really need us right now.

Baskets will continue to be provided to the most affected population in Abu Dhabi, with applications closing at the end of Ramadan through the Together We Are Good website in coordination with Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority.

To obtain temporary support and for urgent cases, applicants must be resident in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, have lost some or all of their income temporarily (through unpaid leave, for example), and have not previously received support from any other government agency.

Ma’an recently launched a new toll-free helpline (800-3088) and a specially created microsite (togetherwearegood.ae) for those in need of relief to get in contact about their requirements.

Starting with education support and food supplies initially, beneficiaries will get assistance in due course across two other key areas of relief: health support as well as basic needs.

Participants wishing to contribute financially to ‘Together We Are Good’ can send SMS messages to 6670 (AED1,000), 6678 (AED500), 6683 (AED100) and 6658 (AED50). They can also call 8005-MAAN for volunteering and in-kind and financial contributions above AED1,000 or send messages on WhatsApp on 0543055366. In-kind contributions include equipment, buildings, services, and time as well as expert volunteering efforts.