Applebee’s Qatar has stressed that its Covid-19 and Ramadan 2020 mission 'touched hearts' in the country.
A series of effective measures by the Qatari government saw affected areas being sequestered and patients cared for by medical professionals, the casual dining restaurant chain said in a statement. "Still, given the large number of blue-collar workers in Qatar, many of them in dire financial straits due to various reasons, it required a combined effort by various communities and non-governmental agencies to shore up the government’s initiatives."
Sensing the need of the hour, Applebee’s Qatar joined hands with Qatar Red Crescent Society and Qatar Charity to embrace the larger cause of helping the less privileged, the statement noted.
For company general manager Ganesh Sharma and his team, "it was more than fulfilling their corporate social responsibility - it was their chance to demonstrate that in the time of crisis, humanity matters more than anything else". It is also a time to lend a helping hand to brothers and sisters in the neighbourhood and community around.
As Sharma said, “This reflects our values, our commitment - solidarity, support and giving back to the community, which we are an integral part of."
"The holy month of Ramadan 2020 provided the perfect backdrop for their pure humanitarian gesture," the statement noted. Though eateries in Qatar were under pressure in the face of Covid-19 regulations, the dedicated team of Applebee’s sprang into action and made sure their fellow brothers in distress received the best cooked meals possible as per the high standards which the Applebee’s kitchen always practises, and made sure that the food delivered was the same as that served to our guests in house, it added.
The mission, which ran from March 28 to May 22, saw Applebee’s Qatar handing over around 55,000 cooked meals to its partners, which were distributed among those under Covid-19 quarantine or treatment, and other community members in need.
"Besides, this holy month of Ramadan turned out to be the most fulfilling one for Applebee’s staff as their daily supply of 1,200 cooked Iftar and Suhoor meals found their way to the homes of humble believers throughout the month of fasting during these trying times," Applebee’s said.
"This selfless gesture by Applebee’s Qatar and its dedicated team, which never failed to deliver satisfaction, will go a long way in lifting the spirits of all as they strive hard to overcome this crisis," it added.