Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has unveiled its largest corporate social responsibility initiative to raise funds for the construction of a child care centre for Dubai Autism Center, a non-profit organization serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Launched on April 2, 2012 to coincide with the World Autism Awareness Day, the campaign includes setting up special donation boxes across all ENOC service stations.

Marking the formal opening of the campaign, Saeed Abdullah Khoory, Chief Executive Officer of ENOC, made the first donation at a special ceremony held at ZOOM store of the ENOC service station at Zabeel Area. The event was attended by Mohammad Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of Dubai Autism Centre and senior management members of ENOC.

Mr Khoory said, "ENOC has a long history of partnership with the Dubai Autism Center, and the campaign to raise funds for a centre for the organization is a strong testament of our commitment to support initiatives for the improvement of the overall community welfare. Through our strong network, we believe that ENOC can play a key role in upholding campaigns that make a difference to society by effectively reaching out to a large segment of the public."

He added, "With incidence of autism being reported on the rise, it is more important than ever to further strengthen awareness of the condition. Through the comprehensive campaign, we are reaching out to the public to be generous for a noble cause."

Mr Al Emadi said, "According to studies, one in every 110 children is affected by Autism Spectral Disorders. Dubai Autism Center has been working tirelessly to provide adequate support for those with autism and those who care for the children. ENOC's campaign to raise funds for a second building will significantly strengthen the scope of services we can provide, and will be a great relief for several families." 

ENOC will also undertake a media campaign to strengthen awareness of the fund-raising initiative and rally public participation. A number of digital activities highlighting Dubai Autism Center's family support programmes, seminars and trainings, intervention, service units and various therapies will also be held. The four-month-long project will continue through the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

Dubai Autism Center serves as a consultancy centre that consists of multi-disciplinary team specialised in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectral Disorder. Last year, ENOC was honoured with a certificate of appreciation by Dubai Autism Center for its continued support to the various campaigns rolled out by the Centre for promoting autism awareness in the region.

ENOC undertakes a range of CSR initiatives that are aimed at addressing different cross-sections of the community, and thus promote overall welfare.