NAWRAS LAUNCHES GOODWILL JOURNEY 4

14th September 2008
The launch of Nawras Goodwill Journey 4 takes place today with an event at Omar bin Al Khatab Institute for the Blind, Al Mabaila, under the auspices of H.E. Sheikh Salim bin Mustahail Al Mashani, Nawras Chairman and Advisor at the Diwan of Royal Court. The annual convoy of Nawras branded vehicles will leave from the centre carrying a team of volunteer employees who will once again be giving donations and spreading happiness, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, to those less fortunate in society.

Attending the event, will be the group of almost 30 participants along with Nawras representatives including the entire executive committee. Nawras will present the journey’s first donations to the institute which include items sourced internationally and imported specially to assist the blind with communication. The extensive list includes computers featuring software specifically adapted for the blind and Nawras Internet modems with corresponding Nawras SIM-cards, as well as mobile phones.

H.E. Sheikh Salim bin Mustahail Al Mashani will flag off the convoy and earlier, while commenting on the initiative, said, “Nawras has consistently shown its commitment and compassion and once again is ready to enhance the lives of those with special needs in our community. I wish the Nawras Goodwill Journey team a safe trip and thank them for taking our caring message to so many people throughout the Sultanate as they convey the true meaning of Ramadan.”

“Nawras is proud to be an integral part of Omani society and the Nawras Goodwill Journey underlines our close involvement with the community”, added Nawras CEO Ross Cormack. “We have adopted a leadership role in many areas, not least in terms of retaining strong corporate social responsibility goals.”

Chief Operating Officer, Khalid Al-Mahmoud reminded everyone that in November 2007, this commitment was recognised on the international stage when Nawras was awarded the Middle East Business Achievement Award for Social Corporate Responsibility, at the highly prestigious Leaders conference held in Dubai. He said, “Today, our commitment is as strong as ever and we hope that this accolade has inspired other companies and individuals to play their part and help those in need.”

Under the leadership of Khalid Al-Zadjali, Nawras Events and Protocol Manager, and with the sentiments of Ramadan proudly in their hearts, the Nawras Goodwill Journey team will leave Muscat for their next stop at Barka. Al-Zadjali has been a part of the project from the first step of the first journey, which blossomed from an employee idea back in 2005.

A huge logistical exercise, the Goodwill Journey takes a great deal of advance preparation to obtain the often specialist items that charities require. Nawras discusses the needs of each institute in advance to ensure that their requirements are met, a task overseen by Nasib Al-Qarni, Procurement Specialist, who is also travelling with the team for the fourth year running.

Nawras has always taken its social responsibilities seriously and by taking an active role in this important area, encourages other companies to follow suit. With the Nawras Goodwill Journey 4, this caring company will be building upon the donations and time given in the previous journeys undertaken annually since 2005.

Nawras currently covers 96% of the population with its reliable world-class network, using national roaming where necessary and always with Nawras great value.