Amazon says that plans to contribute more than one million meals to support families in need across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt during the Holy month of Ramadan.
The donation programme, in its second year, provides volunteering opportunities for hundreds of Amazon employees working alongside community partners to pack food hampers at Amazon’s Fulfillment Centres across the region.
The company said it is leveraging its scale to support communities and delivering the hampers to those who need them most.
“In the true spirit of the Holy month of Ramadan, we are proud to extend our support to the important work the UAE Food Bank does through the year,” said Ronaldo Mouchawar, VP, Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
“With our ability to innovate quickly, we are leveraging our experience in logistics and delivery to help to get more than one million meals into the hands of those who need them the most especially during the month of giving.”
In partnership with the UAE Food Bank, Amazon is providing a combination of grocery supplies, packaging materials, services, and monetary donations. This will result in more than one million meals reaching underprivileged families in the safety of their homes.
Dr. Sayed Essam Al Hashmi, head of Food Trade Control Section, UAE Food Bank Committee added: “It is our pleasure to partner with Amazon once again on this critical initiative. The UAE Food Bank’s mission is to help the people in need while reducing food waste. During the month of giving and helping others, we are proud to be able to contribute in such an important way. We feel very passionate about the work we do, and we value the partnerships we have with the private sector, with companies like Amazon who share the same passion and commitment, and are always keen to give back.”
Prashant Saran, director of operations, Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA) described Ramadan as a time for giving back to and supporting the communities we operate in.
“This is a responsibility we take very seriously across all levels of our organisation. Amazon has a long-standing commitment of working alongside community partners to find practical solutions to imminent problems, so we are delighted to continue supporting food charities across the region,” said Saran. “We continue to provide opportunities for employees to give back to the community because we put their wellbeing above everything else.”
The donation initiative during Ramadan is a part of the company’s global community engagement pillar, Right Now Needs, that seeks to eliminate the impossible choices posed by poverty, homelessness, hunger, and natural disasters. This pillar is one of many in Amazon’s community engagement programme.