Third Shoe Box Appeal has sights set on more than Dhs 1 million

• Radisson’s Responsible Business Initiative is in its third year; launched in 2008
• Shoe Box collection points will be located throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• 250 volunteers from organisers and sponsors

A heady target of more than Dhs I million has been set by Pasquale Baiguera, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, the organiser of the third Shoe Box Appeal campaign.

“We have stepped up the pace for the Shoe Box Appeal 2010. We want to reach more people, and pass the million dirham mark,” he said.

In another initiative, Baiguera said that the UAE’s Red Crescent Society will be the benefactor of the donations received during the six week campaign.  The filled Shoe Boxes will be distributed by the society to the underprivileged.

Mohammad Al Zarouni, General Manager of the Dubai Red Crescent branch said: “The UAE Red Crescent Society has a long tradition of offering help to all who need it. Through our teams and volunteers we reach out and serve those who need support. Our mission and spirit is to help people regardless of their nationality or religion. If anyone knocks on our door, we are always there to help.”

Al Zarouni said that the UAE Red Crescent Society reaches out to the underprivileged through a dedicated staff and with the help of more than 10,000 volunteers.

“I would like to congratulate the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City team for the past success of the Shoe Box Appeal. This year, we have the opportunity for us to take the campaign to more people and to create a well-placed impact,” said Zarouni.

The flagship campaign is part of the hotel’s annual Responsible Business Month. The appeal kicked off in 2008, and has since collected more than Dhs 2 millions worth of donations pledged to the emirate’s construction workers.

Baiguera explained that the essence of the campaign is for the community to fill specially-provided shoe boxes with a collection of everyday essentials, such as soap, shampoo, shaving kit, hand towels and such like. For 2010, collection points will be set up across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“The community response has been wonderful and we have had two very successful years, which includes tremendous support from schools.

“This year, we have partnered with The Red Crescent Society with the aim of expanding our outreach, and our result. We are looking for shoe box donations worth Dhs1.25m this year. Indeed, we believe that we will have more than 250 volunteers helping to coordinate the drive,” he concluded.

• Collection drive starts on August 11, 2010
• Shoe boxes available in lobby of Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City
• Shoe Box collection points will be set up across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Each box comes with a list of items that are required
• Once filled, a staple box of items is valued at Dhs 100