A recent charity marathon in the capital raised nearly half a million dirhams in support of a children’s cancer foundation.
The ‘Colour Their Lives’ campaign, which was organised by Etihad Airways, collected money by selling T-shirts at the event on Abu Dhabi Corniche. The funds will be used to help build a new 300-bed ward and playground at the 57357 Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt in Cairo. The hospital is one of the biggest children’s cancer facilities in the world and was built purely on donations.
“As the UAE flag carrier, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to society and give back to those in need,” said Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ chairman of the sports and social committee and senior vice president of government and aero political affairs.
“We hope we managed to make a difference in the lives of these young children by helping them on their journey to recovery, while at the same time raising awareness of treatment and prevention of this deadly disease.”
The marathon saw runners take part in either the adult, children, mother and child or children with special needs categories. The winner of the adult category received airline tickets to any Etihad Airways destination while other winners were treated to a host of other exciting prizes including tickets to Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World, iPads and other gadgets.
Aside from the marathon, various other activities were organised including free health screenings, face painting, live entertainment, and a raffle draw. One of the highlights of the event was a giant wall covered in well wishes from Abu Dhabi’s residents to HH President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
