The ‘Wheels of Happiness’ initiative comes on the occasion of World Prematurity Day 

Dubai, UAE:  Union Coop in cooperation with Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital in Dubai organized an event titled ‘Wheels of Happiness’ to delight sick children in the hospital, and provide support and raise their awareness during their treatment period, as the cooperative distributed gifts to the children who are receiving treatment at the hospital, with the participation of parents and patients in the department Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the recreational activities on the occasion of the World Prematurity Day.

From Union Coop, Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki - Happiness & Marketing Director, Ms. Huda Salem Saif - Senior Communication Section Manager, Mr. MOHAMMAD ABBAS - Branch Manager, Union Coop – Al Warqa City Mall and other staff participated in the event, along with staff from Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital. 

The event consisted of distributing dozens of gifts to patient children and visitors to the hospital from the age of one year to 10 years old, to nurture their various skills and talents, in addition to participating in the World Prematurity Day, which was well received by the parents who attended the event, as this visit comes as part of Cooperative’s efforts to support the initiatives of Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital and its unique position which it occupies as a distinguished health facility for the treatment of children, which combines treatment and health education.

Commenting on the noble initiative, Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki, the Director of Happiness and Marketing Dept. at Union Coop said, “The Cooperative places participation and community contribution among its priorities among the responsibilities towards the society in general, pointing out that the category of sick children is one of the essential groups that must be considered for permanent and continuous happiness, which is why the cooperative organizes a unique initiative in cooperation with Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital”, further mentioning that the initiative helped make patient children happy and brought joy to their hearts during their visit to the hospital for their checkups and treatments.

“The event was called ‘Wheels of Happiness’ wherein a colorful cart was filled with gifts, as Cooperative and officials from the hospital took it inside the hospital departments and clinics distributing gifts to children while sharing their joy,” continued the Happiness and Marketing Director, who also pointed out that such community initiatives work towards consolidating social relations and strengthening communication with medical & health institutions. Moreover, such events help in developing the skills and talents of children, cultivating a culture of love and kindness in them, supporting their creative and innovative abilities, realizing their national and societal duties and additionally helping them acquire positive behavioural skills.  
For his part, Dr. Shiva Shankar, Head of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit said, “We thank Union Coop for this purposeful initiative that has succeeded in drawing smiles on the faces of our children here and raising awareness about World Prematurity Day. We are always pleased to cooperate with various institutions and agencies, in line with our vision and belief in the importance of the role of social responsibility.”