Fund will help build a ward at children’s cancer hospital in Cairo
Etihad Airways raised almost half a million dirhams in support of the Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation 57357 in Egypt through the charity marathon held last week as part of its ‘Colour Their Lives’ campaign.
The 57357 Hospital, located in Cairo, is one of the biggest hospitals specialising in children’s cancer in the world and was solely built on donations. Funds raised will help the hospital build a new ward housing 300 beds and a new playground for children.
Donations were collected through the sale of ‘Colour Their Lives’ T-shirts at the marathon, which was held at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and saw participation in four categories: adults, children, mother and child, and children with special needs.
“As the UAE flag carrier, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to society and give back to those in need. 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,” said Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ chairman of the Sports and Social Committee and senior vice-president of Government and Aero Political Affairs.
Along with the marathon many other activities were organised, including free health screenings and medical advice, live entertainment, face painting activities for children, a lucky draw with various exciting prizes, and an auction for the trip of a lifetime to five exciting Etihad Airways’ destinations such as Disneyland Paris, Maldives, Thailand and the Philippines.
A giant wall dedicated to the UAE President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was one of the main attractions at the event, and saw visitors of all ages and nationalities join in wishing him a speedy recovery and the best of health.
