DIFF, Dubai Cares and Oxfam join hands for charity

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), Dubai Cares and Oxfam are joining forces for the third year to host the ‘One Night to Change Lives’ fundraising gala.

Proceeds from the exclusive gala evening will go to the UAE-based philanthropic organisation Dubai Cares and global development and aid agency, Oxfam to support their work responding to the current crisis in Syria.

Money raised on the night will benefit Syrian displaced children and their families in Lebanon (Tripoli and surrounding areas) and Jordan (Balqa and Zarqa governorates) by providing them with basic supplies during the 3 months of winter, the harshest period of the year, composed of shelter; food assistance; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities; winter clothing; and children’s education packages. This assistance is crucial to the refugee children and their families who live in informal tented communities.

The black-tie charity evening hosted alongside the 10^th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival will roll out the red carpet at the prestigious Armani Hotel in Dubai on Wednesday, December 11^th. Guests will be invited to enjoy a glamorous evening with special guests against the spectacular backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and world-class entertainment.

In association with Eon Productions and their James Bond films’ the gala will feature an auction of once in a lifetime opportunities to own a part of 007 history. These include a unique James Bond themed Aston Martin Vanquish, the only car produced in celebration of 50 years of James Bond with features such as a Skyfall silver exterior, 50 Years of 007 logo on the headrests and 20-spoke diamond turned gloss black wheels.

Also in the auction line-up are exclusive tickets to the next Bond world premiere and a selection of iconic memorabilia from Bond films throughout the years.

Scarlett Johansson, Oxfam Global Ambassador has once again donated a very special auction prize for this year’s event offering VIP tickets for her new film, Captain America 2, including flights. She said: “I’m thrilled to offer this fantastic prize for the auction. I hope it raises as much money as possible for Oxfam and Dubai Cares to help in their work fighting poverty around the world.”

Over the last two years the charity event has raised over $2 million dollars for worthy causes and has been supported by a plethora of global stars from the world of cinema including Colin Firth and his wife Livia, Kristin Davis, Rooney Mara, Amr Waked, Freida Pinto, Ronan Keating, Helena Christiansen and Rahul Bose.

DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma said: “We are honored to be hosting this event with Dubai Cares and Oxfam to raise funds for these two charities who work tirelessly towards transforming the lives of poor and vulnerable people around the world. At DIFF we have a mission to drive positive change though the power of film and the support we’ve had over the last 10 years has been extraordinary. I would like to call upon those extremely dedicated organisations and individuals in Dubai to offer their invaluable contribution to support this year’s event to raise funds for the children and families affected by the Syrian crisis.”

Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares, said:  “DIFF has played a huge role in putting Dubai on the map and it is a matter of great pride for Dubai Cares to be part of this spectacular event for a third consecutive year. With all eyes on Dubai, we at Dubai Cares along with our partner Oxfam, not only expect to raise funds but also increase awareness about the situation of Syrian displaced children and their families. This charity event presents a great opportunity to everyone interested in supporting Syrian displaced children and their families. We currently are reaching more than 8 million children in 31 developing countries, promoting quality primary education through integrated, scalable, sustainable and impactful programs that eliminate the underlying obstacles that prevent children from going to school and learning.”

Oxfam Chief Executive Mark Goldring said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Dubai International Film Festival again this year and it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to support the life changing work of Oxfam and Dubai Cares, while enjoying a unique evening of entertainment. The money raised will make a real difference in bolstering Oxfam’s response to the deepening crisis in Syria. To date, Oxfam has helped more than 220,000 people and we are continuing to expand our response to meet increasing needs but more vital funds are desperately needed.”