Etihad Aviation Group has launched a community programme that will deliver 400 meals per day to charity. The initiative will be held throughout 2018 and beyond, with approximately 150,000 meals to be donated every year.

As part of its sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts, the Abu Dhabi-based airline has teamed up with the Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority to donate inflight meals to labourer residences in the Mussaffah area of Abu Dhabi.

In line with the 2018 Year of Zayed, the initiative was announced in early Ramadan to promote a spirit of sharing during the Holy Month.

The project is aligned with the sustainability pillar of the Year of Zayed. The meals are initially prepared for the airline’s three on board cabins – First Class, Business Class and Economy Class – and are then transported in a purpose-designed truck to keep them fresh. Emirates Red Crescent will provide an equipped kitchen and trucks to collect and store meals for distribution.

Khaled AlMehairbi, senior vice president and general manager Etihad Airport Services Ground – Abu Dhabi Hub and CSR Strategy, said: “We are strongly committed to the local community and proudly support various charities worldwide. Etihad is always looking at new ways to extend the reach of our charitable and humanitarian efforts.

“This drive is guided by the values and legacy of our late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He inspires and motivates us to share and give back to the communities we are living and operating in.”

Sultan Al Shehi, general manager, Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent, said: “We are excited to launch this initiative in collaboration with Etihad Aviation Group and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s spirit of sharing and giving. We have worked together with Etihad Aviation Group to support many charitable and humanitarian activities. However, this partnership is especially important for its size and scale.”

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority hailed the drive as encouraging the efforts of UAE charity and humanitarian actors in supporting the local community. The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, as part of its robust relationship with the Grace Conservation Programme of Emirates Red Crescent, ensures the quality and safety of the meals. It promotes awareness of the Emirates Red Crescent staff on healthy food packaging, transportation and storage. The authority will oversee the delivery of the meals from Etihad Aviation Group to the Grace Conservation Programme, monitoring all the related steps of collection and distribution.

Etihad Aviation Group operates to a comprehensive CSR agenda during Ramadan, with many other charity and community activities planned for the local community in the UAE as well as India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and other parts of the world. - TradeArabia News Service