CSR Column: Radisson Blu's Fathma Hamziya

Fathuma Hamziya, regional responsible business coordinator and Middle East HR manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek explains why The Box Appeal is so important.

What is the Box Appeal?
As part of Carlson Rezidor’s Responsible Business initiative, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City initiated the Shoe Box Appeal (as it was called then) in 2008 to recognise and appreciate the unsung heroes of our community — the labourers — who built the skyscrapers that Dubai is known for. The idea is to collect essential items in a box and donate it to labourers across many labour camps in the UAE.

How does it work?
People in and around the region can collect a box from any of the Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels September 1 onwards. They then have two months to fill them with essential goods from a list of items such as a t-Shirt, disposable razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, comb, soap, and shampoo. Once the boxes are dropped back at the hotels, they are distributed to the less fortunate members of the local community.

How has the campaign evolved over the years?
We collected 7000 boxes in 2008 and in 2012 it increased to more than 13,000. With the number of participants and sponsors, volunteering for this campaign has grown.

How many boxes are you hoping to collect this year?
Definitely more than last year’s number, which was 13,000.