As they prepare for the 40th edition of Rally Dakar in Latin America in January 2018, Jad Comair and Antoine Iskandar – the first ever Lebanese team to participate in this legendary rally – launched the #BeTheDrive national charity campaign, to support “Anta Akhi” association, taking care of adults with disabilities, and to raise awareness around the world of disability, in a press conference held at The Grand Cinemas, ABC Verdun on Friday, November 24th, in the presence of Lebanese media representatives and members of the association.
The participation of Comair and Iskandar has taken a humanitarian dimension when they announced their partnership with “Anta Akhi” association, by donating all the benefits of such an adventure, in support of the association’s humanitarian mission in its 25th anniversary.
The fund-raising campaign covers a series of initiatives on different levels, including an online portal inviting Lebanese citizens and expats to donate to “Anta Akhi” association, supporting their humanitarian cause, supported by a social media campaign, in addition to partnerships with schools, restaurants, and cinemas, aiming to spread the world to the highest number of people, encouraging them to donate and support the association.
Commenting on the campaign launch, Comair and Iskandar said: “Today starts our real journey; and while we were triggered by our love towards our country to participate in the hardest rally in the world, we are today standing in front of a bigger responsibility, for our participation has taken a bigger dimension as we dedicate it to people who face much bigger challenges every day and they face them happily. In fact, all our proceeds will go to an association that works hard to offer a decent life to 67 young men and women who suffer from physical and/or mental disabilities, securing all the medical, social and spiritual needs of their daily lives. Each one of you can also make a difference and be the drive of those who aren’t any different from us, but live and love their lives despite all difficulties.”
Mrs. Roula Raad Najem, President of “Anta Akhi” association also commented on the occasion saying: “25 years of giving and challenges, 25 years of love; at “Anta Akhi”, we believe that every individual, no matter their physical appearance, is the son of God, hence is equal to everybody else, for their individual value comes from the love they hold in their heart.” She added: “The initiative of Jad and Antoine and their support, as well as the support of every individual to “Anta Akhi”, is a sign of belief in our cause and in the individual value of every person. Together, we can face the challenges of our life in happiness and peace and despite all the difficulties and differences, whether they are a result of a disability or not. In the name of the entire “Anta Akhi” family, I thank every person among you for the love you showed to our family and particularly to our dear members whose disabilities don’t stop them from believing that life is beautiful and worth living happily.”
You can donate online on www.dakarlebanon.com and through donation boxes in Grand Cinema’s branches or call “Anta Akhi” on +961 9 230 650/1/2
