Majid Al Futtaim Properties' SAHIM charity received a generous donation from Accor-Majid Al Futtaim Hospitality Services - one ton of rice to be given to support Somalia relief efforts. The '1 Ton of Rice' campaign was a staff initiative across Accor-Majid Al Futtaim Hospitality Services where sufficient funds were collected to purchase one ton of rice for famine-stricken Somalia.

The contribution supports the SAHIM charity drive, a campaign by Majid Al Futtaim Properties which encouraged the donation of much-needed items such as non-perishable foods, canned goods and clothes. 

The '1 Ton of Rice' campaign was a joint-effort across Majid Al Futtaim Properties hotel portfolio of eight properties in the UAE, where the combined generosity of on-the-floor staff and Central Services raised funds to achieve their goal - one ton of rice for Somalia relief aid. The contribution was given directly to Red Crescent UAE. Further donations from the SAHIM charity drive, which saw collections boxes placed at all Majid Al Futtaim Properties shopping malls in the UAE were also given to support the Somalia crisis.

"The success of the SAHIM campaign running in the malls ended on an equally encouraging note with the charitable contributions of our partner, Accor-Majid Al Futtaim Hospitality Services and their staff," said Fuad Al Najjar, Asset Director for Deira City Centre. "One ton of rice will be given to Red Crescent UAE towards providing relief for millions in Somalia. On behalf of the mall, and for SAHIM, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks for all those who contributed."

"This heartbreaking story of a mother in Somalia inspired the 1-Ton of Rice campaign," said Tristan Beau de Lomenie, General Manager of Accor-Majid Al Futtaim Hospitality Services. "The mother carried the body of her dead boy and hid it from aid workers, so she could get enough food to keep her daughter alive. Our '1 Ton of Rice' campaign shows how the efforts on one individual work towards making a larger, meaningful difference. The overwhelming response from our employees reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility, and our ongoing support of the local community and international causes. "

The SAHIM charity drive was launched to support over 12 million people in Somalia and surrounding east Africa region who in need of immediate aid. 750,000 people could die as drought worsens in the coming months. The two week campaign, which ended recently was a joint effort supported by all Majid Al Futtaim Properties shopping malls in the UAE.

Accor-Majid Al Futtaim Hospitality Services that participated in the '1 Ton of Rice' campaign are: Novotel & Ibis Deira City Centre, Suite Novotel & Ibis Mall of the Emirates, Ibis Al Rigga, Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates and Pullman City Centre Hotel and Residence.