The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria recorded over 53,000 deaths and injured over one lakh people. As the citizens of the two countries try to rebuild their lives, an Indian-origin UAE-based businessman has extended a helping hand to the victims. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, recently announced an AED 5 million (approximately ₹11 crore) donation to the Emirates Red Crescent to join global relief efforts in supporting those affected by the devastating earthquakes.
These funds, donated by Dr. Vayalil, will be used to support rescue efforts by providing medicine and other supplies, relocating those who have lost their homes, and rehabilitating victims and their families. “The UAE leadership’s quick response to the disaster in Turkey and Syria demonstrates their unwavering commitment to humanitarian support and causes. The AED 5 million fund donation is part of our ongoing efforts to assist with overall relief work in the quake-hit region. My heart goes out to all affected by the devastating earthquake, and I hope this contribution will support their needs,” Dr. Vayalil said in a press statement.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that Dr. Vayalil (or his company) has come forward to help those in need. The business tycoon has assisted various communities during natural disasters through several notable initiatives. In 2018, the Kerala-born NRI sent a flight of medical supplies and protective gear to assist his home state, Kerala, in fighting the Nipah virus and during the floods that year. He has also launched a rehabilitation and reconstruction project in which a flood-damaged primary health centre in the state was rebuilt as a model family health centre.
Joining hands with The Giving Pledge – an initiative created by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and business magnate Warren Buffett to support good causes worldwide – Dr. Vayalil, who is a radiologist by qualification, offered VPS Healthcare Group’s Medeor Hospital, a 500-bed facility in Manesar to the government for free to admit infected patients, during the COVID-19 pandemic.