Waleed Ghafari, the Dubai-based philanthropic businessman, successfully bid on the bespoke James Bond-inspired Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe at the “One Night to Change Lives” Charity Auction organized by Dubai Cares and Oxfam during the 2013 Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). The proceeds from the auction are being donated to Oxfam’s Syria Appeal, to boost relief efforts for children and families affected by the crisis.
Under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DIFF, Dubai Cares and Oxfam joined forces for the third year to host the ‘One Night to Change Lives’ fundraising Gala.
“The on-going Syrian situation is a humanitarian crisis that has serious implications not only on the future of the families and children affected, but for the world at large. The 2013 “One Night to Change Lives” auction contributed towards providing some relief in the region, but more importantly highlighted important causes including lack of health and education to children. I was happy to be part of the cause and make a difference,” said Waleed Ghafari.
Commenting on the delivery of the car, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares stated: “We are very happy to have witnessed the delivery of this one-of-a-kind car to Waleed Ghafari, who has been a devoted supporter of our mandate since 2012. His generous contribution has been pivotal to our humanitarian efforts and we are certain he will represent an inspiration to others who are keen to make a difference in the lives of children in the developing world.”
“We are delighted that this auction prize generated additional resources for urgently needed humanitarian relief for refugees living in Jordan and Lebanon,’ said Bob Humphreys, finance director at Oxfam GB. ‘We are grateful to Mr. Ghafari for his generous philanthropy and commitment to this cause.”
The Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe, bearing unique sill plaques engraved with the signatures of James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, is a collector’s item reflecting the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s sports car lineup. This one and only edition marks the 50th anniversary of the making of the first James Bond movie, by embossing the headrests with a distinct design of 50 bulleted years.