National Bank of Fujairah reaffirms support for Angel Appeal

Abu Dhabi (WAM): National Bank of Fujairah, NBF, has announced a donation of AED150,000 to the Angel Appeal, a charitable initiative that supports seafarers anchored off the coast of Fujairah. The Angel Appeal programme is part of the Mission to Seafarers, a charitable organisation with an established track record of providing welfare and emergency support services to sailors around the world. NBF’s donation will continue to go towards the operation of the "Flying Angel", a vessel that sails up to ships anchored off the Fujairah coast and offers services ranging from access to the Internet, a library and gift shop as well as counselling support from chaplains onboard. Nearly 75 seafarers a day, or more than 2,000 in any given month, use the Flying Angel’s facilities to contact home or seek respite from the rigours of life at sea. Alan Maitland Smith, NBF’s Head of Internal Audit and Chairman of the bank’s CSR committee, said that the ongoing sponsorship of the Angel Appeal is the latest indication of NBF’s resolve in supporting the development of its home emirate. Apart from its role in key infrastructural projects, NBF has supported Higher Colleges of Technology Fujairah in their talent development efforts and provided financial support to the Fujairah Welfare Association. It recently renewed its partnership with the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF, EWS-WWF, an arrangement that will see NBF’s ATM network being used to raise awareness of conservation efforts for the Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah. "Fujairah’s reputation as a leading oil bunkering anchorage and seaport is built on the backs of seafarers and port workers, all of whom, during the course of work, have had to endure extremely difficult conditions and spend protracted periods of time away from their families and loved ones. "As a bank that is actively involved in Fujairah’s development, NBF is certainly proud to continue its partnership with the Angel Appeal. The Flying Angel has brought smiles to those it has come in contact with, and long should its journey continue." Dr. Paul Burt, Director, Mission to Seafarers, UAE, said, "We are immensely grateful to National Bank of Fujairah for their commitment to our vital mission. The Angel Appeal is dedicated to alleviating the difficulties faced by so many sailors off the coast of Fujairah, and the bank’s support goes a long way towards positively impacting not only the lives of these seafarers, but those of their families at home as well. We look forward to building on our partnership with NBF in the years to come and further generating greater awareness for this important initiative." - Emirates News Agency, WAM –http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395272330518.html