Abu Dhabi, 2015-4-22 — /Travel PR News/ — Etihad Airways held its third annual ‘Run for a Cause’ event on the Abu Dhabi Corniche on Friday, 17 April 2015, raising almost half a million dirhams for charity.
The event was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser Al Nahyan who awarded medals and prizes to the race category winners.
All funds raised will go to two special needs centres in Fujairah and Al Wagan in the UAE, and the renovation of a school in Kakamega, Kenya.
The charity event commenced with the playing of the UAE national anthem by the Abu Dhabi Police Band. It also featured games, live entertainment, face painting, an elite motorbike parade, and a range of prizes for fast finishers, including Etihad Airways’ Economy Class return tickets, and safari packages to Sri Lanka from Etihad Holidays.
More than 4,500 participants gathered to run the adult three kilometre race along the Corniche course, while children ran for 1.5 kilometres and runners with special needs also took part.
Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs, said: “As the UAE flag carrier, we are at the heart of the community, and we feel strongly about giving back to those in need.”
Mr Al Mehairbi, who also serves as the Chairman of Etihad Airways’ Sports and Social Committee, added: “This donation represents the kindness and generosity of our staff and partners, as well as the wider community in Abu Dhabi who participated in this charity initiative.”
The community event, which was open to UAE schools, organisations and residents of all ages, is part of Etihad Airways’ strategy to promote global education, access to learning and the wellbeing of children, both in the UAE and beyond.
More than 1,000 members of Abu Dhabi Police took part in the fun run. The force was instrumental in organising the race, offering facilities to support the event and spread awareness among the local community.
The fun run was held in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police, the Emirates Red Crescent, Department of Transport, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, EuroGulf, Abu Dhabi Educational Council, Abu Dhabi Media Company, Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, Al Ain Water, Arwa Mineral Water, Mikura Pearls, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Al Salem Trading Enterprises and Sport 360 newspaper.
Hotels, restaurants and medical centres also supported the charity initiative, including Abu Dhabi Royal Hotel, Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi, Novotel ,St Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach Hotel, Azzurro Italian restaurant, Al Jaber Optical, Dar Al Fajr Medical Institute, Corpofino Spa & Slimming Lounge, Al Borj Medical Laboratories, Fusion Art and Al Khaja Enterprises.
“We hope that by bringing people together like this, we will help raise awareness and vital funds for a very deserving cause, and put a smile on the faces of children worldwide,” Mr Al Mehairbi concluded.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 111 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 69 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.
Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia, and is in the process of formalising an equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com
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