Airport retailer Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has donated AED2 million/US£545,000 to the Emirates Red Crescent’s work to support those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The donation, made through its charitable arm the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, will go to the Bridges of Goodness campaign for urgent humanitarian relief. 

Monies will be used across both countries for food and medical supplies, and to fund relocation offers for families. 

The Emirates Red Crescent, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Ministry of Community Development, had called for others to join the Bridges of Goodness campaign. 

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO at DDF, presented the queue to Mohammed Al Zarouni, Emirates Red Crescent Director, at a ceremony at the retailer’s headquarters. 

“Since we started our Foundation in October 2004, we have been working with several local and international charities on similar emergency and calamity projects over the years,” McLoughlin said.

“This great initiative, which follows the quick response from our nation’s leaders, provides organisations such as ourselves the opportunity to support a major humanitarian effort that will directly benefit the displaced families and children who were affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.”

Also present at the cheque presentation were Ramesh Cidambi, COO, Salah Tahlak, Joint COO, Dr. Bernard Creed, Senior Vice President – Finance, Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Olympia Pineda, Manager – Corporate Responsibility Department and Steve Simon, Chairman & CEO of WTA.

The DDF Foundation has worked with the UAE Red Crescent previously, including during the pandemic. It has supported 57 local and 59 oversees charities since it was founded in 2004. 

The Emirates Red Crescent and its UAE partners are raising funds over the next two weeks. To make a donation visit The Emirates Red Crescent site.