The Box Appeal a charity campaign that aims to help those most in
need by filling boxes with essential everyday items, is returning for its 5th
consecutive year. This year’s campaign will take place between the 1st of
September and the 31st of October.
The Box Appeal is created and run by Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in the
Middle East and held in conjunction with the Red Crescent. The Box Appeal asks
people to give back to those who need it most by filling a small box with a
list of everyday items, such as toothpaste, a t-shirt, a cap and shaving cream.
Mark Willis, Area Vice President, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
said: “This appeal aims
to make a small difference on a large scale. When the campaign was first
created we teamed up with Helping Hands a local charity who advised us on the
items that labourers need in their everyday lives. By giving them these items
it puts less strain on them financially, what might seem like something small
to us is of great importance to them. Also, it shows them that people care and
appreciate what they do for us.”
To take part all participants have to do is pick up a box from any
Radisson Blu or Park Inn Hotel in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah or Sharjah and
fill it with the list of predetermined items and return it to the hotel.
“This is an easy way to give
back to those less fortunate then ourselves, these men work long and hard to
build the cities we live in. Any small contribution we can make to make their
lives that little bit easier is really appreciated by them. This year we've already given out 11,000 boxes and if we receive each one of these
back that means 11,000 labourers will be helped. It’s
simple to get involved; we've seen children from the age of two filling boxes with
their parents. It also doesn't have to be costly. The average price of the box is
between 60-100 DHS on average,” said Mr Willis.
Since its launch
in 2008, over 30,000 boxes have been donated, the equivalent of 3 million AED.
“Hundreds of staff take part but this year we’ve had an
unprecedented response from the public, in particular schools who have so far
taken more than 5,000 boxes. Local companies
get involved as do many community groups and of course individuals. This year
we have already given out 11,000 boxes in the UAE which is a record amount.
So much so, that we’re currently having more boxes printed to meet demand,” explained Mr
Willis.
Pick
up a box from
any Radisson Blu or Park Inn hotel in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Fujairah or
Sharjah, fill it with the following list of items and return it by the 31st October.
1. T-Shirt
2. Cap
3. Disposable Razor
4. Shaving Cream
5. Deodorant
6. Toothbrush
7. Toothpaste
8. Small Hand Towel
9. Comb
10. Soap Antibacterial
11. Shampoo
12. Talcum Powder
