Even as a ceasefire holds in Gaza, many in the region face a long and difficult road ahead for recovery.
In light of this, many regional companies are stepping up to help. Food delivery platform Talabat has announced an initiative to raise awareness and funds to be donated towards humanitarian needs.
On Thursday, every order placed throughout the day, across all markets, will contribute towards humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine. In the UAE, the donations will be made through the World Food Programme.
Customers in the UAE will also have the option of donating directly though the app – irrespective of the date – by searching for virtual charity World Food Programme and selecting the Aid for Palestine category.
In addition, Talabat employees who choose to voluntarily give up a portion of their salaries, will be topped up by the company.
All the proceedings will go towards primary supplies, such as food parcels and food assistance to communities on the ground.
“It is of great importance for us to stand with the affected Palestinian community,” says Jeremy Doutte, vice president of Talabat UAE. “Being able to utilise our platform to support humanitarian causes is an integral pillar of our corporate responsibility, using tech for good. And by connecting our customers to trusted charities, we are facilitating philanthropy and allowing safe donations through the Talabat app.
"We are grateful for the generous support our virtual charity initiatives have received in the past and we are looking forward to supporting Palestine together through this region-wide initiative.”
This is not the first time Talabat has contributed to global relief efforts. Earlier this month, it launched #IftarForIndia, an initiative to help communities affected by the country's Covid-19 second wave.
Numerous other companies have also launched initiatives to support Palestine. Home-grown company Good Burger announced it will be donating 10 per cent of all sales made in the month of May to aid those in need in Palestine, through approved charities.
Meanwhile, Kave, an upcycling cafe in Alserkal Avenue is putting together Korba, a two-day programme to "honour, support and celebrate all things Palestine". The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, and will include tatreez (Palestinian embroidery) workshops, talks and a book club, along with a line-up of artist presentations and performances.
