January 17, 2018 - Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, successfully held its first blood donation drive in 2018 in immediate response to requests from the Dubai Blood Donation Centre and Thalassemia Centre to meet their shortage of blood supplies. The campaign was held as part of Empower’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to the ‘Year of Zayed’ initiative to commemorate the 100th birthday of the UAE’s Founding Father, H.H. the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose generosity is renowned throughout the region and the world.

In partnership with Dubai International Real State (DIRE), the campaign took place at Empower’s headquarters at the Al Hudaiba Awards Building in Dubai and administered by the Dubai Health Authority. The donated blood is for children at the Thalassemia Centre and accident cases in private hospitals supported by Dubai Blood Donation Centre. The UAE’s blood banks constantly require blood donations as demand is always high due to accidents, surgeries and blood diseases that require blood transfusions.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “As we enter 2018, which is declared as the ‘Year of Zayed,’ it is important to be reminded of the values and principles of our founding father and keep them alive in our blood, in our daily activities and engagements. The blood donation campaign is an act of giving which reminds us of Sheik Zayed’s unconditional giving, his support and keenness to help our brothers in need – whatever or whoever they are. We hope to continue embodying his values in all our commitments, particularly in crucial times.”

The Year of Zayed is also about remembering and upholding Sheik Zayed’s firm belief in instilling respect to every human being, including embodying tolerance, gender equality, and charity, which has made the UAE one of the world’s best examples, being home to more than 200 nationalities.

Empower successfully met its target to collect blood from over 100 donors, including the participation of its employees and senior management. In 2017, Empower organized five blood donation campaigns also in cooperation with DIRE and the Dubai Blood Donation Centre, as well as with the Dubai Police, Al Ameen, Dubai Health Authority and Blood Donors Kerala – UAE.

Bin Shafar concluded: “Responding at the right time is equally part of giving and must be addressed according to the need of the hour. Empower has successfully managed to immediately arrange the campaign along with Dubai Blood Donation Centre and the Thalassemia Centre, which require more supply at this time to save lives. It is part of Empower’s corporate values to remain responsive to all situations – be it in our operations, workplace environment or our social commitments.”

Empower provides environmentally responsible district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments such as Jumeirah Group, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai International Financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World Trade Centre Residences, Dubai Design District, among others.