Etihad Airways saw more than 5,200 participants of all ages gather at Al Mushrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi last week to take part in the airline's fourth annual fundraising event ‘Walk for a Cause’.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Honorary Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism, the 30 minute walkathon raised funds to build a new rehabilitation centre in Abu Dhabi for the Emirates Autism Society, as well as for the refurbishment of a school in India.

The event was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Thiyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan; Eugenia Davis, council of the United States of America; Colonel Abdulrahman Al Swaidi, ministry of interior; Shayma Nawaf Fawwaz, chief executive officer of GOSSIP; Mariem Al Rumaithi, board member of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs; and Dr Khawla Salem Rashed Al Saaedi, president’s representative of Women and Health Alliance International.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, senior vice president of Abu Dhabi Airport Operations and chairman of the Sports and Social Committee at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is committed to providing better care services to autistic children to improve their quality of life.

“This is part of our commitment to the continued development of our local community and improving public health and increasing awareness of autism.
“The fun non-competitive walking event has once again brought together the wider community in Abu Dhabi, and we hope we will be able to raise awareness and vital funds to support people in need - both in our home nation and globally.’’

The fun walk was open to all ages, and upon registration participants received a pedometer and a T-shirt with the event logo.

Live Bollywood music and dancing ensured attendees were entertained throughout the day whilst Etihad Airways organised a range of activities for the entire family including flight simulator sessions with a cadet pilot and cooking workshops with an inflight chef. Flying nannies were also on hand to supervise and entertain children in the event’s dedicated Kids’ zone.

At the ‘quiz and win’ competition, attendees had the chance to win a number of prizes including Etihad Airways economy class return tickets, duty free gifts, a one-year family membership for Al Forsan International Sports Resort, a weekend stay at a five-star hotel, dining vouchers for two people, and a gift from Apparel Group. - TradeArabia News Service