With Eid holidays approaching, Aster Volunteers and Max in cooperation with the Human Appeal International (HAI) joined hands to conduct the third edition of ‘Smile’ programme and bring happiness and joy to 100 less fortunate children from different nations living in the UAE. The programme echoes the sentiments put forth in the Year of Tolerance, reflecting UAE’s Founding Father’s principles encouraging peaceful co-existence, tolerance, cohesion and acceptance.
The programme was conducted at Oasis Mall, Dubai where the children got an opportunity to shop, receive Eid gifts from Aster Volunteers and Max, followed by various entertaining activities like art & craft workshops, face painting and competitions with valuable prizes given to the winners.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare said, “Aster Volunteers programme aspires to make a positive difference in the lives of people in need. On the blessed occasion of Eid, we want to bring a moment of joy and happiness in the lives of these underprivileged children. We hope that through this programme we can reach out to such children to make an impact in their life, making them Smile”
Dr. Khalid Abdelwahhab Al-Khajah, Executive Manager of Human Appeal International (HAI) thanked Aster Volunteers and Max for their humanitarian initiative. He said, “We are very glad to partner with Aster Volunteers to bring a smile on the face of the needy kids. We believe in the power of collaboration with other entities to help the poor and disadvantaged, especially children.”
The programme was driven by more than 100 volunteers, with a keen intention to put a smile on the lips of these children and make Eid special for them. Some of them are orphaned, while others have been rescued from hardships from countries including Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
Aster Volunteers programme, the global corporate social responsibility initiative of Aster DMHealthcare, was launched on occasion of the company’s 30th anniversary in 2017 and provides a platform which bridges the gap between people who would like to help with those in need. Driven by Aster DM Foundation, through various initiatives, the programme has been able to impact 1 million+ lives across geographies.
