Ataya (meaning giving), a charity exhibition organised by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), to support charitable establishments with funds raised from the exhibition, has raised AED 7.6 million during this year's edition which was held from May 8 to 12 in Abu Dhabi, the event's Higher Organising Committee announced yesterday. 

Organisers, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), said the fifth charity exhibition showcased a wide range and variety of distinctive fashion, jewellery, home accessories and furniture, all prepared by 105 talented regional and international designers and artists from 11 countries. 

Just as in the past, this year's collections from Ataya will be dedicated to a noble cause. It will fund, design and build five schools in different war torn countries in the world where children can attend regular classes, lay the foundation for a brighter future and help realise their dreams. 

'This year's theme was education, and revenues from the five-day charity event will be used to fund the construction of five schools in Yemen (Socotra), Egypt, Mauritania, Afghanistan and the Philippines,' an ERC statement said. 

Ataya is one of the community-driven pioneering initiatives seeking to improve the living conditions of vulnerable segments and help them fulfil their aspirations for a decent life through delivery of much-needed basic requirements. 

Hind Al Muhairbi, Head of Marketing and Public Relations, ERC, said the initiative had implemented the principle of continuity and sustainability of humanitarian work and sound planning for finding effective solutions to the most pressing humanitarian challenges in keeping with a forward vision and through innovative methods. 

In 2012, Ataya's proceeds went towards supporting the Children's Cancer Centre in Lebanon, while revenues earned through donations, sponsorships and ticket sales in 2013 were used towards supporting 11 Autistic children and Autism Centres within the UAE as well as centres for children with special needs. In 2014, the proceeds were used to support the Faraj Fund which helps to win freedom for the UAE prisoners indicted for not paying their financial debts, reuniting them with their families and giving them a second chance in life. 

The 2015 revenues were used to build and operate a specialised hospital for women and children in Northern Iraq, close to the city of Erbil.

Source: WAM