ismail@khaleejtimes.com Filed on April 15, 2020 | Last updated on April 15, 2020 at 06.38 am

Abdullah Al Jahmani from Al Ain had saved the cash for a year and it was meant to start a small project.

A 16-year-old Emirati student, who donated his Dh15,000 savings, is among hundreds of residents and businessmen who have contributed to the "Together We Are Good" programme to support government in the fight against Covid-19.

Abdullah Al Jahmani from Al Ain had saved the cash for a year and it was meant to start a small project. But the government's call for support from the public in the fight against the pandemic and the encouragement from his parents made him donate his only savings to this humanitarian cause.

"This is a challenging situation for everyone. Our leaders said that this is the time for all community members to show the strength of our solidarity and unity through supporting the government efforts in the fight against Covid-19," Al Jahmani said in interview on a local television.

The Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an had in March launched the 'Together We Are Good' programme to provide the community with the chance to support Abu Dhabi Government's efforts to address the current health and economic challenges.

The programme stimulates social responsibility through opening the door for financial and in-kind contributions from individuals and companies.

The programme's proceeds are mainly directed towards medical and educational aid and food supplies. This will be conducted in cooperation with Ma'an's relevant partners.

On Sunday, Ma'an announced that it will use the funds contributed to the programme to help families and individuals most in need across four key areas: Education, food supplies, health support and basic needs.

The programme directs contributions according to priorities and in cooperation with relevant partners, with priority given to medical and educational aid and food supplies.

On the first day of the programme launch, Ma'an said it raised more than Dh45 million from residents, businessmen and companies who came forward to support the government's efforts of combating Covid-19.

The authority has also received scores of contributions in-kind, such as hotel rooms, residential buildings and clinics and hundreds of volunteers including specialists and skilled workers who have registered to offer their services.

On Monday, Ma'an said it raised Dh6 million from several businessmen and a number of citizens, including businessman Ahmed Saif Al Nasiri and Ibrahim Muhammad Al Mazroui, who contributed Dh1 million each.

Adel Ali Basilib, CEO of Arab Company Group, contributed Dh3 million to the programme and businessman Alfinder Singh contributed Dh1 million.

Salama Al Ameemi, director-general of Ma'an, earlier thanked the entire community for the overwhelming response to the programme.

"From volunteers to significant financial contributions and companies coming forward to offer their help, it is humbling to see our community work together in the spirit of overcoming current social challenges," she said. "I urge Abu Dhabi to continue showing its community spirit in these unprecedented times and work together to ensure we remain focused and resilient."

ismail@khaleejtimes.com