Dubai Airports and its partners have raised Dh1.25 million ($340,600) for Orbis, the international eye care charity organisation best known for its flying eye hospital, through their ‘Your Sight, Our Happiness’ campaign.

The amount raised is enough to help restore the sight of as many as 31,000 children suffering from cataracts worldwide.

Launched in March earlier this year under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, the campaign involved a number of activities to raise funds for the noble cause.

The event hosted a special charity luncheon sponsored by Emirates Flight Catering where corporate entities could donate by sponsoring tables while individuals attending the event were offered the opportunity to sponsor cataract eye surgeries through donation coupons worth AED 40 per surgery.

The highlight of the campaign was the Plane Pull contest* where 10 teams from across the airport community took the challenge to pull National Air Cargo’s 747 aircraft the furthest distance. Each team also made a contribution for the Orbis charity via the UAE Red Crescent. Sporting contests such as basketball, foosball and bowling were also organised with participants playing blindfolded to raise awareness about daily challenges faced by those with visual impairments.

Describing the campaign as a huge success Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said: “We are very happy with the outcome of the campaign. It is deeply satisfying to know that the collective efforts and generosity of employees of Dubai Airports and our partners, as well as the support and contribution from corporate entities will help improve the lives of thousands of children by restoring their sight.”

Rebecca Cronin, CEO, Orbis UK said: “We are so thankful to Dubai Airports for choosing Orbis to benefit from the wonderful ‘Your Sight Our Happiness’ event. The loyal support of the aviation community and the incredible amount raised through the Plane Pull will allow us to reach even more children desperately in need of sight-saving treatments. A child who can see is a child who has a chance of an education, employment and a chance to contribute to his community and to flourish. On behalf of us all at Orbis, I would like to particularly thank His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his leadership and his generosity.” - TradeArabia News Service