'Change a Future' initiative raises over AED2 million for children

The National Happiness and Positivity Programme's "Change a Future" initiative, part of the "Happiness is Giving" campaign to improve the lives of children across the UAE and abroad, has raised over AED2 million.

The National Happiness and Positivity Programme organised the fund-raising drive in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, Etisalat, du, as well as the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Department of Economic Development.

The initiative was created following the 25th May directives of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan with charity projects, in line with the nationwide #Year of Giving campaign.

"Happiness is Giving" engages the private sector, particularly, the retail sector, including shopping centres, retail outlets, and megastores, encouraging organisations to donate to ERC throughout the month of Ramadan. The ERC, in turn, will donate to causes that seek to improve the quality of life for children around the world.

Ohoud bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, said that the National Happiness and Positivity Programme seeks to instill giving and charity as core values for achieving positivity and happiness.

Al Roumi lauded all partners who play a part in the success of the Change a Future initiative, thanking them for their role in establishing charity and generosity as a culture and key tenet of the UAE.

The initiative covers four main development areas that reflect the mission and vision of the ERC, including health, education, food, and people of determination.