TMCnet News
Zain dispatches first convoy of humanitarian aid to Gaza(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 28 August 2014 Release date- 27082014 - Zain Group, a pioneer in mobile telecommunications across the Middle East and Africa, announced the dispatching of the first convoy carrying humanitarian aid to the devastated residents of Gaza. Last month Zain Group detailed the extent to which individual operations across the Group were moved to contributing to help alleviate the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. At a Group level, Zain pledged a much-needed sum of US500,000 to be put towards easing much-needed food and medical supplies. On the ground supporting the humanitarian initiative, Zain Jordan organized the logistics and coordinated activities with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization to select the required medical supplies and food parcels based on the Organization's assessments of the pressing needs of the beleaguered people in Gaza. The convoy set off in the presence of Zain Jordan CEO, Ahmad Hanandeh and Head of Zain Group Corporate Social Responsibility, Jennifer Suleiman. The relief consignment consisted of eight trucks packed with medical supplies and food. A second consignment is scheduled to be dispatched on the 2nd of September. Speaking on the humanitarian effort, Zain Jordan CEO, Ahmad Hanandeh commented, 'Zain's support of the residents of Gaza ties up with the vision and wishes of His Majesty King Abdullah II with the support of HRH Crown Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah to provide assistance to the beleaguered people in Gaza asking Jordanian citizens and corporations to contribute towards easing the pain of our brothers and sisters in Gaza.' Hanandeh continued, 'From Zain's perspective, the company is a strong advocate for social justice among Arab nations, and will look to support communities in need across the region wherever possible.' Head of Zain Group CSR, Jennifer Suleiman commented, 'Zain is committed to the people of the Middle East region, and through our community support programs we look to build the basis on which societies can develop and prosper. We will continue to support humanitarian efforts to ease the plight of people in Gaza as we would do any community in our region facing similar difficulties.' In addition to the $500,000 pledge by Zain Group, several of Zain's country operations have undertaken support initiatives as well. Zain Jordan launched a number of initiatives to support Gaza, including the donation of 50% of the revenues generated from international calls to Palestine for a period, in order to assist in the rebuilding of Gaza and provide badly needed health care and treatment for children in the affected regions. Zain Jordan also provided 15 minutes free of charge for all its customers to call their relatives and loved ones in Palestine over Jawwal and Paltel networks. Moreover, the operation donated JDs 20,000 (US$28,200) raised via a telethon that was carried out by the Radio of Jordanian Armed Forces 'Hala FM' to support Gaza. Zain Jordan employees themselves held several internal fund raising campaigns and contributed a further amount of JDs 30,692 to put towards the humanitarian effort. Zain Kuwait offered free calls and SMS to Palestine for a week in addition to providing an opportunity for customers to donate funds for the inhabitants of Gaza by sending a text message to the number 99997. For its part, Zain Bahrain organized an employee fundraising campaign and the company pledged to match the amount raised by employees and donate an additional amount towards Palestinians in Gaza through the Royal Charity Organization. The operator also offered a 50% discount on calls to Palestine for a period of time. Meanwhile, Zain Sudan donated funds for food and medical supplies to Gaza, and designated the number 5110 for customers wishing to donate additional amounts. Furthermore many of Zain operations held employee fundraising campaigns raising substantial amounts that were donated to the humanitarian effort in Gaza. About Zain Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and Africa providing mobile voice and data services to over 46.5 million active customers as of 30 June, 2014. With a commercial presence in 8 countries, Zain operates in: Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and South Sudan. In Lebanon, the Group manages 'touch' on behalf of the government. In Morocco, Zain has a 15.5% stake in 'INWI', through a joint venture. Zain is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (stock ticker: ZAIN). For more, please email [email protected] or visit: www.zain.com; www.facebook.com/zain; www.twitter.com/zain; www.youtube.com/zain; www.instagram.com/zaingroup; www.linkedin.com/company/zain (c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing - |