Canon Middle East employees fund Dubai Cares ‘Adopt a School’ initiative in Senegal

Dubai, UAE: In line with Canon Middle East’s commitment to supporting local communities across the region, employees of the global leader in imaging solutions raised funds for the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative by Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organisation working to provide children with access to quality primary education in developing countries.

Stefano Zenti, Canon Europe’s Head of Emerging Markets Business Unit, celebrated contributions from Canon Middle East to building a new school in Senegal at a ceremony held in Dubai during his first visit to the region in his newly appointed role. In addition to wider business strategy meetings with Canon Middle East and Canon Emirates, Mr Zenti gained insights on CSR efforts such as ‘Adopt a School’ that aim to make a real difference to communities where the global corporation operates.

Commenting on the project Mr Zenti said: “The contribution of our employees to such a significant education initiative reflects Canon’s corporate Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good.  Supporting education, particularly in developing countries, is integral to nurturing the talent and innovators of our future. The ongoing CSR efforts of Canon ME underscore our companywide culture of social responsibility.”

In addition to corporate donations and funds raised through a silent auction for products at Canon Middle East’s 2014 kick off meeting, employees will also have the opportunity to contribute 7 volunteer days required to build the school over one year.

Anurag Agrawal, Canon Middle East Managing Director, said: “Our ongoing work with Dubai Cares to enhance primary education in developing countries especially this school initiative in Senegal highlights our commitment to actively engage with communities to make a positive and lasting impact. We highly commend our employees for their community spirit in supporting such an important cause.”

Commenting on the significance of the “Adopt a School” initiative, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: “Dubai Cares has designed its “Adopt a School” initiative to make a genuine and tangible change in the lives of marginalized children, their families and communities. Consequently, this initiative gives the UAE community a chance to play an active role and support in reaching out to these children, providing them with the necessary educational infrastructure and learning environment. We are grateful to organizations such as Canon Middle East for believing in our cause and supporting our mandate.”

The ‘Adopt a School’ initiative by Dubai Cares aims to make a tangible change to the lives of children by providing the infrastructure for a safe teaching environment as well as quality education.

Canon is involved in several CSR initiatives in the region aimed at fostering community and humanitarian partnerships. The Dubai Chamber CSR Label has been awarded to Canon for the last two years in honour of their philanthropic and environmental efforts.

Canon Middle East:

Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for individuals and businesses. Canon provides both individual products and complete networked technology solutions for information input, management and output. Its product range is divided between Business Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for both the office and professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (photography, video and digital camera, Laser and Inkjet printers). Canon Middle East is the operational headquarters for Canon in this region, and is based in Dubai, UAE.