Drake & Scull International (DSI), a regional market leader in integrated design, engineering and construction, has announced the establishment of Drake and Scull Foundation (DSF).

The new entity is launched to initiate, fund and organise corporate social responsibility programs dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged sections of the society, a statement from the company said.

The foundation will create and foster public service campaigns to reach out and help communities in need of healthcare, education, housing, and nutrition across the region.

Zeina Tabari, chief corporate affairs officer of DSI, and managing director of the new foundation, said: “We believe that the establishment of the foundation will encourage companies in the region to adopt pragmatic CSR  programs that drive lasting change and sustained support for communities in need.  The vision of DSF is catalysing efforts to make a real difference in our communities, by providing basic needs like food, clothing, education and medical assistance for disadvantaged people, in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.”

“The underlying moral of the foundation is ‘Give Back’ and its objective is to align our business operations with social values and to promote socially responsible business practices that contribute to the enhancement of the overall welfare of our surrounding communities,” she said.

“The gap in social divides is growing and we hope that the foundation will pave the way for continuous contribution and collaborative efforts between regional companies to address these human challenges and make a real difference in shaping tomorrow’s future and build a safe and healthy environment for generations to come,” she added.

“We aspire that DSI not only becomes an international leader in the construction industry, but also becomes an active company and the spearhead in serving needed communities and the ambassador of CSR initiatives in the region, ’’ Tabari concluded.

The funding and donations schemes and geographical operational scope of the foundation is underway and will be completed by the end of the year.

The management is currently sourcing and aligning the company with special philanthropic organisations to set its working agenda and embark on its CSR campaigns in 2012, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service