Vodafone raises QR1mn with ‘Giving Challenge’

Vodafone has said the second edition of its fundraising initiative, #GivingChallenge, has raised a total of QR1,008,500 as a result of 100,850 votes.
This is more than double the amount raised last year, according to a statement from the company.
The challenge, which was launched on the first day of Ramadan, saw four Qatari social media influencers use their social media channels to raise funds for their chosen charity.
Asma al-Hamadi, Eid al-Sulaity, Abdulrahman al-Harmozi and Hassan al-Saei used their social media channels to encourage followers to vote for their chosen charities via My Vodafone App.
For every vote, Vodafone donated QR10 to each charity.
The funds raised for each charity were revealed at the challenge’s closing ceremony held on Sunday in the presence of VIPs, charity representatives and Vodafone’s management, including COO Mohamed al-Sadah and director of external affairs Mohamed al-Yami.
Vodafone said the four participants were delighted to learn of the amounts raised, which were as follows: Qatar Charity chosen by al-Hamadi – QR451,700; RAF chosen by al-Saei – QR428,540; Eid Charity chosen by al-Sulaity – QR102,540; and Reach Out to Asia chosen by al-Harmozi – QR25,720.
Al-Yami lauded the efforts of the four social media influencers to raise funds for their chosen charities.
“Once again, this new and innovative way to do charity has proved to be hugely successful, reaching more than 2mn people via social media,” he said.
“The funds raised will now support the honourable work the charities do to help thousands of underprivileged people within and outside Qatar.”
Al-Hamadi added, “The competition between us for the sole purpose of giving was great and I enjoyed the experience.
“We need more such competitions that are designed purely for charitable giving.”
The first edition of Vodafone’s #GivingChallenge had raised QR450,000 for charities in Qatar. The funds raised went towards various projects, including orphans’ education.
This year’s challenge highlights can be seen on Vodafone’s website, www.vodafone.qa/GivingChallenge