Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (Etisalat Group) and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (Du), today reiterated their sustained support to the Reading Nation charity auction that will run on June 21 at the Madinat Jumeirah, under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Etisalat and Du have announced that they will put up ten distinguished telephone numbers for sale at the auction in support of the Reading Nation Ramadan campaign that aims to provide five million books to underprivileged children in refugee camps and schools around the world in addition to establishing 2,000 libraries in schools globally. Proceeds from the sale of the numbers will be allocated to the ongoing fund-drive in support of the campaign.

Etisalat is offering the telephone numbers: 056 5555555, 056 8888888, 0544444441, 0544444443, and 0544555554 for sale to the highest bidders at the auction. Du is supporting the auction by putting up numbers 0523333333, 0525222222, 0522222223, 0525555554, and 0524444442. The charity auction is to be curated and conducted by Emirates Auctions.

Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group, said: "The support that organizations nationwide from both the public and private sector are offering to Reading Nation is truly gratifying. This reflects the philanthropic values that the UAE society lives by and the importance of humanitarian and charity work in the country. It is the responsibility of every one of us to support this spirit of giving and work hand-in-hand with the leadership to fulfill its noble objectives."

He added: "Etisalat has always supported and will continue to partner humanitarian initiatives for the good of communities within and outside the UAE. We draw inspiration from the noble values of the UAE that were instilled by our founding fathers at the time of the establishment of the federation."

Othman Sultan, CEO, Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company (Du), said: "We continue to support the Reading Nation Ramadan campaign as part of our commitment to the campaign’s important message and goals that will positively impact the future of countries in the region. Helping children gain access to knowledge that will empower them for a better future is a cause that is close to our heart and in line with our social responsibility mandate."

Sultan added: "This campaign sends out a clear message that knowledge is the best way to improve lives. Du’s participation in this humanitarian effort that enables access to learning and education complements our leading role in providing advanced telecommunications infrastructure and connecting communities."

Announcing the Reading Nation auction last week, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, kicked-off preparations for the auction by donating items from his official collection that includes a 106-year-old piece of the Kaba cover (Kiswa), embroidered with gold and silver threads. This is part of the cover presented by Abbas II Hilmi Bey, Khedive of Egypt in 1331 Hijri. The Vice President has also donated a number of items including paintings and works of art.

The auction will also include five distinguished license plate numbers contributed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

At the launch of the Reading Nation Campaign, Etisalat and Du donated AED3 million each. They also dedicated toll-free numbers through which individuals can make donations to the campaign in addition to sending SMS messages to encourage their subscribers to contribute generously.

The Reading Nation Ramadan campaign has drawn the wide-scale participation of government entities, public and private sector organizations in the UAE, educational and retail establishments and the community at large. The campaign will continue until the 19th day of Ramadan that coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day.

The goal of the campaign is to provide five million books to students-in-need in refugee camps and underprivileged students in schools around the world. Two million books will be provided to children and students in refugee camps. The campaign will also facilitate the supply of two million books to some 2,000 school libraries around the world. In addition, Reading Nation will support the foreign educational program of Emirati humanitarian organizations through donating one million books to this cause.

Source : AFP