DUBAL employees raise Dhs 200,000 for autism treatment centre

Ever mindful of its corporate responsibilities towards society, DUBAL, that owns and operates the world's largest primary aluminium smelter using pre-bake anode technology, has again lent its support to Dubai Autism Center (DAC).

An internal campaign, run throughout April (marked as 'autism month' worldwide), together with a direct cash donation from DUBAL raised Dhs200,000 for DAC's project to construct a newer, bigger and better treatment center that can accommodate more children with autism in the UAE.

Importantly, the campaign typified the culture of giving at DUBAL, where volunteering provides valuable opportunities for employees to touch and change people’s lives. “Involving our employees in DUBAL’s corporate social responsibility initiatives has had considerable impact,” explained Mohammed Yahya, Manager, Corporate Relations & International Affairs, DUBAL.

DUBAL has supported DAC in several ways since 2009, with activities including initiatives to help raise awareness of autism, raise funds, provide skills training and development opportunities to the center's administration personnel, rebuild their warehouse and implement a stock management system.

The fund-raising campaign held in 2012 yielded a handsome Dhs250,000 (including a direct cash injection from DUBAL), which provided a 30% down payment for the slabs needed to construct the first floor of DAC's new learning center. "We are proud that the funds raised this year will give the project another boost," said Yahya.