One-of-a-kind Touareg used in Carpool Karaoke to be auctioned off with all proceeds donated to Al Jalila Foundation’s Farah programme
By Shereen Shabnam
Changing lives and supporting kids who need medical care to help change their lives is a noble cause. Committed to building a brighter future for the kids at Al Jalila Foundation and to support medical treatment for children in need, Al Nabooda Automobiles, the exclusive Dubai dealer for Volkswagen for over 45 years will auction off the one-of-a-kind Touareg featured in Season 3 of Carpool Karaoke and 100% of the purchase price will go directly to Al Jalila Foundation to support children in need.
The unique flagship model has been signed on the panoramic sunroof by each celebrity and singer that was showcased on the show and proceeds will go to Al Jalila Foundation’s Farah programme. Founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Jalila Foundation is a philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation. The Farah program specifically focuses on paediatric needs, including children suffering from heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Carpool Karaoke is an Arabic TV program aired on Dubai TV and is hosted by Lebanese personality, Wissam Breidy. Season 3 welcomed guests including Emirati singer, Ahlam Al Shamsi; Yemeni-Emirati singer, Balqees Fathi and Lebanese celebrity, Nadine Nassib Njeim.
We spoke to K. Rajaram, CEO, Al Nabooda Automobiles and Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation to find out more about this initiative.
K. Rajaram
CEO, Al Nabooda Automobiles
Tell us a bit about the CSR initiative with Al Jalila Foundation?
Al Nabooda Automobiles and Volkswagen embody family values and are both family-focused businesses, in and outside the car. We have always admired the incredible work and medical support that Al Jalila Foundation offers to families in need across the UAE. We have decided to celebrate our 45th Anniversary at Al Nabooda Automobiles by auctioning off the one-of-a-kind Touareg and donating all the proceeds to Al Jalila Foundation, to continue supporting families in need, and so that those families can enjoy precious moments together once again.
Is this the first initiative with Al Jalila Foundation and is it a long-term collaboration?
This is the first time that both Al Nabooda Automobiles and Volkswagen have partnered with Al Jalila Foundation. Following this initiative and learning more about the exceptional work that they do, it is clear to the management of both companies that we would like to continue prioritizing work with them moving forward.
Tell us a bit more about the limited-edition Carpool Karaoke Touareg?
The Touareg is Volkswagen’s flagship model, equipped with remarkable technological features including a digital ‘Innovision Cockpit’ that merges a high definition 15-inch touch screen and 12.3-inch Active Info Display. Additionally, the driver can select ambient interior lighting from over 30 different colour options. What sets this particular Touareg apart from the rest is that it has been signed on the panoramic sunroof by all the celebrities featured in Season 3 of Carpool Karaoke, including Ahlam Alshamsi, Balqees Fathi and Nadine Nassib Njeim.
What are the different ways for public to participate in the auction?
Silent bids can be placed between September 1st and October 13th by visiting the Al Nabooda Automobiles Showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road or online at cpk.volkswagen-me.info
Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama
CEO, Al Jalila Foundation
Give us an overview of the Foundation and your new collaboration with Volkswagen and Al Nabooda?
Al Jalila Foundation is a healthcare philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through innovative education, treatment and research programs. At the heart of everything we do is the patient.
Al Jalila Foundation empowers researchers and the medical community to focus on pioneering medical breakthroughs and treatments to improve patients’ lives. From funding research across a number of disciplines to sponsoring aspiring students to pursue doctorates and providing financial assistance to patients at the best medical facilities – this is all made possible with the generosity and support of our partners.
Our partnership with Volkswagen and Al Nabooda is a great example of how organisations can champion philanthropic causes and deliver sustainable charitable revenues. Community initiatives have the power to unite people towards a common goal and we are delighted that Al Nabooda Automobile chose Al Jalila Foundation as the beneficiary of the funds raised from the charity auction of the exclusive Carpool Karaoke Touareg. 100% of the funds raised will support vulnerable children to live a healthy life full of potential.
What type of medical conditions do the children face and how can donors reach out to help?
Farah, ‘happiness’ in Arabic, is Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric program which provides life-saving treatment to children suffering from heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses. Every child’s story is unique and it is our mission to help vulnerable children receive the medical care they desperately need.
Through our Farah program we are helping parents give their children the opportunity to undergo the latest medical procedures at world-class medical institutions, offering them renewed hope for their child’s future. The program helps to alleviate the financial burden on families so that they can focus on their child’s treatment plan and recovery. There is no greater joy than giving children and their families hope for a healthier, brighter future.
Any other outreach messages you have for the public and potential donors?
Al Jalila Foundation depends on donations to deliver life-changing healthcare programs. Donor support is an integral part of our success and our work is only as good as the support we receive from our partners, donors and the community.
Nothing gives us greater joy than to see the lives that Al Jalila Foundation has touched and the impact that at our healthcare programs have on patients. We want to be a beacon of hope for children and their families – and everyone, anywhere, can be part of our mission.
Tell us about Mohammed and his journey with Al Jalila Foundation?
I met Mohammed when he was a baby and over the years he has become very dear to my team and I. He is part of our family. It’s been a privilege, and inspiring, to be part of his remarkable healing journey. Mohammed was born with severe limb deformities and his parents were told he would never walk. As a young toddler, he endured several surgeries to accommodate his prosthetic leg which gave him the gift of mobility. Today, 9-year-old Mohammed is a confident young boy and enjoys playing football with his school friends.
Mohammed is proof that there are no limits to the human potential, and that the only limits we have are those we put on ourselves. Mohammed is a bright young boy with a full life ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.
Any other thoughts you would like to share with the readers?
At Al Jalila Foundation we believe that health is the cornerstone to happiness and every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, dream and realise their potential. With the support of our partners and donors we are able to give hope to young patients and help alleviate the financial burden on their families so that they can focus on the treatment plan and recovery. Nothing makes us happier than to experience the overwhelming joy from parents whose children’s lives have been transformed after successful treatment. These are the precious moments that make our job at Al Jalila Foundation so rewarding.
#GlobalTrendMonitor #Volkswagen #Motoring #AlJalilaFoundation #Automotive #Interview #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEbusiness #myDubai
