- Calls upon wealthy Lebanese to donate to the fund to aid their brethren
- First stage of fund to distribute food and blankets to more than 10,000 families
Emirati businessman and Founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has launched an initiative to establish ‘The Lebanese Fund for a Better Future’ to aid Lebanese citizens in need, as the country currently witnesses a transformative revolution in protest against its political system.
Currently, preparations are underway to launch the first stage of the fund, in which food and blankets will be distributed to more than 10,000 poverty-stricken Lebanese families in Ersal, Akkar and Tripoli areas, thanks to a large donation by Al Habtoor.
Al Habtoor said: “I was shocked to witness the dire living conditions of large numbers of Lebanese people and felt it was my duty to help them. I call on wealthy Lebanese families and businessmen in the country and abroad to display humanitarian compassion and contribute to this fund in order to help their brethren.”
Al Habtoor has invited wealthy Lebanese and businessmen to participate in the fund, the aim of which is to provide basic needs — namely healthcare, food and housing for those in underprivileged areas — without discriminating on the basis of religion, sect or political affiliation.
He added: “The revolution in Lebanon has put a large number of poverty-stricken people who suffer illness, deprivation and dire living conditions under the spotlight. Well-to-do people have a duty to help them. In inviting everyone to contribute to the fund, I am personally ready to donate $10 million if wealthy Lebanese respond positively to this initiative. God willing, the Lebanese people in need will not be disappointed.”
The call to affluent Lebanese will be made through Lebanese TV stations and media outlets, that are invited to play the role of media partners by covering the initiative and publicizing the names of the contributors who donate to the fund. The media will also play the role of a watchdog in monitoring the transparency and impartiality of the fund, managed by a board of trustees made up of recognised Lebanese figures. They will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the fund’s investments to ensure the sustainability of its operations.
Al Habtoor has particularly directed the donation call to the Mikatis, Hariris, Murrs, Walid Jumblatt, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, former minister Mohammad Safadi, President Michel Aoun, businessman and MP Fouad Makhzoumi, Pierre El Daher, Michel El Murr, Robert Fadel, Issam Fares, Raymond Abi Nader, Cesar Abu Khalil, former PM Fouad Siniora, Mohammad Choucair, Mohammad Zaydan, the Ghaiths, Nehmeh Tohmeh and many others.
This is not the first time Al Habtoor has come to the aid of Lebanon’s people. He has previously provided much needed assistance through many initiatives, including the establishment of Khalaf Al Habtoor Hospital in Hrar, Akkar in North Lebanon.