Dubai-based Melltoo, a peer-to-peer online marketplace that sells used items, said it had collaborated with Volkswagen Middle East for the whole of Ramadan for its novel initiative called #Drive4ACause.

Melltoo helps customers in the UAE sell their used items without the hassle of meeting strangers. By sellers simply listing, a smartphone, laptop, bicycle, or fashion item for sale, the company will find a buyer, pick and deliver the item and get the seller paid.

This initiative will pave the way for the community to get involved by giving away their unwanted consumer electronics, said a statement from the company.

Proceeds from the sales of donated electronics will be matched by Volkswagen and donated to Salma Aid, a Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid initiative that provides food relief for refugees and humanitarian crises globally, it said.

The initiative will take place during the last 10 days of Ramadan, from June 3 until June 14, in nine locations across Dubai, it added.

A group of local university student volunteers, driven by Volkswagen, will be visiting these communities to collect used electronics and to further raise awareness to community members. The local community will be welcomed to donate their unwanted electronics, such as mobile devices, laptops, tablets, game consoles, cameras, accessories and others, to help provide food to refugee families in need, said a statement.

On collection of the electronics, Melltoo volunteers will clear all data and personal information, before selling these onto new buyers through the Melltoo App. The aid will help fund refugee meals which costs Dh10 ($2.72) each, and in turn help refugees across the region, it said.

Morrad Irsane, chief executive officer, Melltoo, said: “The objective of this campaign is to get the community involved in donating their unwanted electronics and putting them towards a good cause.”

“The average UAE household has Dh5,000 ($1,361) worth of unwanted and forgotten electronics. Just imagine, a household of four each upgrading to a new smartphone every year, so we hope this will prompt people to declutter their homes while helping us to raise funds for refugees who don’t have homes,” he said.

“We are thrilled that Volkswagen has chosen to support us in this effort and even to match the amount of funds raised. Look out for the green Volkswagen Tiguan in selected areas across Dubai,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service