Ibn Battuta Mall, the largest themed mall in the Middle East, today announced at a press conference its association with Beit Al Khair Society. Together, both organizations hope to benefit the local community with this record-breaking initiative and launched the world’s largest charity collection box, developed by Beit Al Khair in association with Ibn Battuta Mall.
Drawing its inspiration from the beliefs central to Ramadan as a “month of giving” the world’s largest collection box, measuring a staggering five metres by twelve metres and set to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, was unveiled in China Court.
Commenting on behalf of Ibn Battuta Mall was David Thurling, Chief Executive Officer of Istithmar Retail who said: “This initiative is very special to us at Ibn Battuta Mall. It gives us great pride as one of the leading shopping malls in the UAE to join hands with a prominent local charity organisation to touch the lives of those in need. As a part of the community, we feel it is our responsibility to give something back, helping to enhance the lives of those in need.”
“As Ramadan is a time for consideration and generosity it is only fitting we should also plan a large-scale charity event – one which promises to set new records. We hope to make a difference by providing a platform for Beit Al Khair’s fundraising efforts and hosting the world’s largest charity box.”
“This is one just one of a host of cultural activities highlighting Arabian culture during Ramadan at Ibn Battuta Mall. Besides visiting the world’s largest charity collection box, we hope visitors to our mall will enjoy the range of daily activities we have planned throughout this month for the entire family,” continued Thurling.
Ibn Battuta Mall’s partnership with Beit Al Khair Society will provide shoppers with the opportunity to make donations in aid of the underprivileged in the UAE including orphans and widows. In addition, a portion of the proceeds collected throughout the month will also help to support the homeless and needy in Lebanon.
Speaking on behalf of Beit Al Khair Society, its General Manager Mohammed Bakkar bin Haider said, “We are very pleased to have partnered with Ibn Battuta Mall in this joint venture. We would like to thank them for providing us with an opportunity to reach a significant segment of our community and help us in our fundraising efforts.”
“Their commitment is a testament to the goodwill of our community and society’s spirit of giving. Funds raised from this initiative will help us to continue to provide support for the needy.”
“This initiative represents how private institutions and charity organizations can work hand in hand to help the community we live and work in. They have set a good example and we hope other private organisations will see this as a benchmark for community service.”
Since 1989, Beit Al Khair Society has organized programmes and projects to benefit UAE nationals including the poor, widows, divorcees, patients, the disabled and orphans and others deemed eligible by the society. It has won many awards for its work and one of the most recent was the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work in 2004.
Throughout Ramadan at Ibn Battuta Mall shoppers can expect to enjoy traditional Ramadan sweets, served in India Court during the evenings. Mall visitors will also have the opportunity to be entertained by stage shows and dancing in Persia Court, while Tunisia Court will host activities for children including storytelling and street painting.
