The Fairmont Hotel, Dubai, will host an exclusive themed gala reception on behalf of the ‘Angel Appeal’ on Tuesday 2nd May 2006, the proceeds of which will go towards the Dubai-based Mission for Seafarers’ campaign to build a support boat appropriately named ‘Angel’. The boat will provide hope and refuge for some of the estimated 140,000 seafarers whose ships visit the East Coast anchorages of the UAE each year.
Michael Kaile, Vice President and MD, The Fairmont Dubai, said, “We have supported this worthy cause since its inception in January. This is our way of contributing towards the fund raising efforts, to build and equip the ‘Angel’. We feel it is a part of our corporate social responsibility to do so.”
The event will take place in the prestigious marble-floored Barajeel Ballroom, the scene of some of Dubai’s finest banquets and most memorable themed parties. Tickets are priced at just AED250 per person which includes cocktails, appetizers and an open buffet with live cooking stations.
The theme for the event is being kept a closely-guarded secret, but Kaile added, “This will be another spectacular occasion to remember, having set the benchmark some years ago, it is something the Fairmont Dubai has now become associated with.”
Reverend Stephen Miller, Mission to Seafarers, Dubai commented, “Tickets will be like gold dust and no doubt the social elite of the UAE will be out to support one of the red letter dates on this year’s social calendar.”
The aim of the Angel Appeal is to raise over US$ 1 million before the end of 2006 to build and equip the boat appropriately named “Angel”. The customised boat is already being built by Albwardy Marine in Al Jadaf, Dubai and will provide an Internet Café, a library with both educational and fictional DVDs and books, a medical clinic with a fully trained paramedic, access to telecommunications and pastoral and spiritual support with a dedicated Welfare Officer.
The service will operate every week for 72 hours at a time, by sailing out to the ships using the East Coast Anchorage, allowing seafarers to step off their ships for a period of rest and relaxation. With 99% of all UAE imports arriving by sea all UAE residents have a vested interest in ensuring the welfare of seafarers. The “Angel” will offer many seafarers support and help to those who are unable to come ashore.
With the East Coast of the UAE anchoring between 100 to150 ships off shore at any given time far too many seafarers cannot afford or do not get the opportunity to come ashore and as many as 2,000 seafarers could be unable to communicate with family and friends at home for weeks, sometimes months leading to isolation and loneliness, which the “Angel” is designed to alleviate.”
Reverend Miller, Mission to Seafarers, Dubai concluded, “We are extremely grateful that The Fairmont Dubai has agreed to host this special evening, the proceeds will undoubtedly bring us much closer to our US$ 1 million target.”
For anyone wishing to buy a ticket in support of The Angel Appeal or to make a general donation, please contact Catherine Miller on 04 344 1823 or email the Appeal Team on mts150@eim.ae
