Emaar Foundation Hosts Charity art Auction to Raise Awareness of ALS; Proceeds Donated to Al Jalila Foundation for Research and Medical Support for ALS Patients in the UAE

When Peter Van Wyk, Senior Director of Hospitality Development at Emaar was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a dynamic neurodegenerative condition, he was determined to find a way to raise cash for research and heighten recognition of the disease in the UAE.

Emaar Properties stepped up assistance to Peter's trigger by conducting an organisation-wide #CHALLENGEALSDXB project that got positive action with workers purchasing and wearing the specifically developed badges for the ALS campaign, and the funds increased going to the Al Jalila Foundation.

To date over AED 20,000 has actually been increased through the SMS donation line mainly through the Emaar network. Emaar employees were additionally motivated to alter their WhatsApp and social media sites profile images to the #CHALLENGEALSDXB logo.

Coinciding with the Holy Month of Ramadan, Emaar Foundation, the corporate social duty arm of Emaar Properties, additionally arranged a charity iftar and art auction to additional support the reason. Funds elevated from the occasion, that experienced the public auction of artworks by eL Seed, Mattar Bin Lahej, Beth Cullen Kerridge, Anna Masters, Petr Weigl, Ben Barrell, Fadi Sarieddine, and Khalid Shafar together with a variety of local musicians, were added to Al Jalila Structure for much-needed research right into ALS and to sustain ALS clients in the UAE. The charity event took place at Armani Hotel Dubai, with over 300 people attending.

The public auction raised a total of US$ 87,725 (over AED 322,000). Emaar increased the funds to a total of US$ 175,450 (over AED 644,000). All earnings from ticket sales for the event will also be added to Al Jalila Foundation.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "The guts and resolve of Peter to fight ALS and to champion the source of ALS understanding is deeply inspiring. As an organisation, devoted to its workers and the community, we believe it was essential that we prolong our whole-hearted assistance to Peter. I give thanks to all our staff members for their overwhelming participation in the #CHALLENGEALSDXB project. This is a fantastic instance of exactly how, by collaborating, we can make a positive distinction to the world."

Peter Wan Wyk said: "It is heartwarming to see the assistance prolonged by my Emaar family members and their dedication to raise awareness for ALS. Being detected with ALS was difficult but I chose that it was essential for the world, specifically the region below, to recognize more about the problem so that it helps individuals be alert concerning the signs and symptoms. The campaign by my colleagues at Emaar and the support prolonged by Al Jalila Structure are invaluable. Together, with such initiatives, we can elevate awareness for ALS and sustain individuals with the condition to handle it much better."

Dr. Abdul Kareem Sultan Al Olama, President of Al Jalila Foundation, stated: "Emaar's campaign is truly noble, as it not just assists sustain people with ALS however likewise makes it possible for more medical study right into the problem. At Al Jalila Foundation, we are committed making a favorable difference to the lives of individuals, and value such efforts that are key to rallying public recognition for conditions such as ALS."

Dr. Abu Bakr Al Madani, Head of Neurology at Rashid Hospital and Vice President of Emirates Neurology Culture who is treating Van Wyk, said: "Peter has actually been extraordinary in his resolve not to bow down to the condition but to occupy the task of elevating understanding for ALS. I congratulate him for his determined battle versus ALS, and say thanks to Emaar and Al Jalila Foundation for their invaluable support."

An motor neuron disease, ALS is a rare problem that affects the afferent neuron (nerve cells) responsible for regulating volunteer muscle mass activity which ends up in complete paralysis and at some point death. The problem is modern and there is no efficient remedy or therapy to stop or turn around the development, according to the National Institute of Neurological Conditions and Stroke. Awareness of the problem is vital, as clinical research study claims, recognizing very early signs can help in preventing complications and living with the condition much easier.

To proceed raising awareness Emaar Hospitality Group's Chief Executive Officer, Olivier Harnisch will certainly restore the ice container challenge and encourage individuals to make a contribution to Al Jalila Structure by means of SMS. Olivier has tested the group at Rove Midtown and his former employer Carlson Rezidor in the UAE to use up the challenge. The project will continue throughout the summer.