Dubai International Financial Centre is appealing to all those who work in the zone to help the victims affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

The Philippine typhoon emergency donations drop-off point has been set up at Precinct Building 5, Marble Walk. Those interested can contribute from 8:00am - 5:00pm. “Kindly note that we will accept donations until 27th November 2013,” says a statement issued by DIFC.

The call is to donate items such as bottled and canned foods, medicine, particularly for diarrhea, bottled water/juice/milk, sleeping bags, blankets/bedding, mosquito nets, toiletries (shampoo, soap, towels etc.) and laundry detergent and soap.

“As you are all aware, there has been a terrible tragedy in the Philippines.

Typhoon Haiyan has killed thousands, and left many more thousands homeless and without food and water. According to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, this is the worst natural disaster in the history of the nation, with millions of people affected by the storm,” read the statement.

“A Philippine cargo company has offered to ship donations in kind to the Philippine Red Cross free of charge. We thank you for your contributions and pray for the millions suffering from the aftermath of the storm, who are in desperate need of food, water, shelter and hope, and for those who have lost their families,” it added further.

Just as business centres gear up for some CSR, small children in Dubai schools are doing their bit to assist the victims.

Take the case of Dubai British School in The Springs area. They held a ‘bring and buy’ sale for the primary school.

“An advisor from the UN World Food Program came to the school and advised the children on the best ways to help. He recommended to send money as products were taking longer to get through to the needy.

The children were encouraged to tidy their rooms and bring unwanted toys and books. The response in supporting this fantastic worthwhile cause was phenomenal. This one event helped raise Dh10,000 for the Philippines,” said Mr. Jodrell, Head of Primary School of DBS.