St. Mary’s Church in Dubai, the oldest church in the city, is organizing a fundraising walk to raise funds for the treatment of 53 underprivileged cancer patients. The event, called Mercithon 23, will take place on Sunday at Dubai Creek Park, with the aim of raising Dh4 million ($1.08 million) from both corporations and the public.
About 1,000 pupils of St Mary’s Catholic School lined up on Wednesday, with hands joined in prayer, to stand in formation to recreate the famous cancer ribbon symbol in the church grounds.
The school children also formed the number 51 to reflect the years since the country’s first National Day when the seven emirates united.
Public fundraising is strictly controlled and requires permission from the authorities. Dubai Health Authority and the Community Development Authority are partners for the event.
Organizers hope to waive or reduce treatment costs for the patients through funds raised from the walk. The patients range in age from 22 to 80 years and come from countries such as the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Public fundraising in Dubai is tightly regulated, and the event has received permission from the authorities, including the Dubai Health Authority and the Community Development Authority.
The church hopes to see 15,000 people participate in the walk.
When & Where
Sunday, 19th February 2023 from 8AM to 4PM at Creek Park, Dubai.