A total of 10 teams from across the airport community tested their collective might as they competed to pull a 747 National Air Cargo plane the furthest distance. The teams also contributed AED 1,000 each as donation to Orbis via Red Crescent.
“The plane pulling contest was the highlight event of the day and what it demonstrated was that when people that are passionate about a cause come together, they can achieve the seemingly impossible. It was very heartening to see the entire airport community getting together to support a noble cause and help raise awareness and funds for an organisation that spreads joy and wellbeing to communities in remote corners of the world,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
“The event is in line with our commitment and efforts to enhance the wellbeing of employees at Dubai Airports and the airport community as a whole, and the society at large,” Griffiths added.
Florence Branchu, Head of Partnerships, Middle East for Orbis said, “We are thrilled that Dubai Airports chose Orbis to benefit from this year’s event. The funds raised today will help us reach even more people suffering unnecessarily through avoidable blindness, and help us strengthen eye care services for those who need it most”.
“The aviation sector is a firm supporter of the sight-saving work of Orbis and our Flying Eye Hospital, and with the next generation ‘hospital with wings’ launching this year, this support is as gratefully received as ever,” she added.
To raise awareness about daily challenges faced by those with visual impairments, sporting contests such as basketball, foosball and bowling were organised with participants playing blindfolded. Apart from the contest, the event also hosted a special charity luncheon sponsored by Emirates Flight Catering where corporate entities could donate by purchasing tables for AED 10,000 each. Individuals attending the event were offered the opportunity to sponsor cataract eye surgeries by buying donation coupons worth AED40 per surgery.
The event was organised at the Dubai Airshow venue at DWC under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
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