du celebrates Give and Gain Day 2012 with Emirati elderly

In celebration of Give and Gain Day 2012, du invited 30 Emiratis from The Elderly Rehabilitation Centre to a special lunch event, held at Al Fanar restaurant in Dubai Festival City. Guests at the event were entertained by radio hosts Jumaa Bin Thalith and Rashid Al Kharji,and Emirati actor and TV anchor Saoud Al Kaabi. 

Attending the event on behalf of du were Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, Luma Jasim, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Humaida Al Khalsan, from Corporate Social Responsibility department. Additonally, 30 du employees, from graduate trainees to management, volunteered a total of 90 hours to put a smile on the face of the elderly Emiratis.

“We are proud of the people who helped to make our country what it is today, and as an Emirati company it is our pleasure to honour them for all that they have done for us, and for the UAE,” said Hala Badri. “Give and Gain Day is an exciting initiative that encompasses the values that we embrace as our Corporate Social Responsibility. Our colleagues are encouraged to be active contributors to their communities and are keen volunteers.”

The elderly guests were entertained with quizzes and competitions, and poetry recitation by Saoud Al Kaabi and Jumaa Bin Thalith, in surroundings reminiscent of the UAE in the 60s. Al Fanar was chosen as the venue because of its ambience, which captures Emirati culture, heritage and hospitality.  

Volunteerism is important to du, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. The telecom company believes in giving back to the UAE community and organises several volunteering opportunities for its employees throughout the year, allowing them to participate in whatever way they can.