Under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Honorary Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism, Etihad Airways has hosted its fourth annual fundraising event ‘Walk for a Cause'. More than 5,200 participants of all ages gathered at Al Mushrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi on March 18 to take part in the event's 30 minute walkathon. All funds raised at the event will go towards the building a new rehabilitation center in Abu Dhabi for the Emirates Autism Society, and the refurbishment of a school in India. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Bin Mohamed praised Etihad Airways for organizing the event, which demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that bring about social development and the sustainable betterment of regional communities. The event was also attended by Sheikh Thiyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Eugenia Davis, Council of the United States of America, Colonel Abdulrahman Al Swaidi, Ministry of Interior, Shayma Nawaf Fawwaz, Chief Executive Officer of GOSSIP, Mariem Al Rumaithi, Board Member of Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, and Dr Khawla Salem Rashed Al Saaedi, President's representative of Women and Health Alliance International. Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President of Abu Dhabi Airport Operations and Chairman of the Sports and Social Committee at Etihad Airways, said: "Etihad Airways is committed to providing better care services to autistic children to improve their quality of life. "This is part of our commitment to the continued development of our local community and improving public health and increasing awareness of autism. "The fun non-competitive walking event has once again brought together the wider community in Abu Dhabi, and we hope we will be able to raise awareness and vital funds to support people in need - both in our home nation and globally.'' The fun walk was open to all ages, and upon registration participants received a pedometer and a T-shirt with the event logo. — SG
