It all began when former Chairman, Brian Wilkie MBE, and Paul Oliver – co-founders of Gulf for Good – wanted to raise funds to buy an ambulance for a war-torn community in Namibia.
In March 2001, Gulf for Good was established, operating until today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group. With a Board of 4 enthusiastic people, including Jim Berry who is still Gulf for Good’s Legal Advisor, they ended up coordinating a group of 49 people to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, raising enough money to buy 4 brand new Land Rover ambulances!
Following this success, Brian and Paul realised they had started upon an amazing journey together and could change the lives of many more around the world.
Since then we have been implementing sustainable projects in the developing world, taking people on adventure challenges to raise money to help make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged kids.
Since 2001 to date, Gulf for Good has hosted more than 100 challenges, raising almost USD 5 million for 63 projects in 30 countries helping over 33,300 children in need.
But it doesn’t end there. Our challengers always return with stories of how their own lives have also been impacted and changed, and many long-lasting friendships have been forged.
In May 2018, after 17 years of tireless service, Brian stepped down as Chairman, handing over to former Charity Director and 16-time Gulf for Good challenger, Anne Edmondson endorsed by our patron, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum.
In 2020, our sister enterprise, Thrift for Good is a charity thrift shop was established; with the mission to rehome preloved items to reduce waste and help children around the world.
Today, we celebrate 21+ years in the UAE.
