Dahabshiil amongst four ARC business partners received an award commemorating their work to help save lives around the globe

Minneapolis, MN  – The American Refugee Committee (ARC) honoured their key global business partners at an event held in their honour, attended by ARC board members and a select group of special guests. The evening was part of a series of events leading up to ARC’s annual Changemakers Ball.

The business leaders honuored were Dahabshiil, BMO Harris Bank, Atomic Data, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP. ARC recognized these businesses as more than partners, but as kindred spirits in humanitarianism who go above and beyond to help ARC save lives around the world.

Dahabshiil’s operations in the Horn of Africa, especially among refugee communities, are not only commercially oriented but support the livelihoods of some of the poorest and financially excluded communities. The recent Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report crystallised the impact of remittance flows, which in Somalia are estimated at US$1.2 billion per year. The FAO study also found that 41% of Somali households rely on remittances, irrespective of social group. The bulk of money sent is used by families to cover basic household expenses – food, clothing, education, and medical care.

At as gala ball attended by over 1000 guests, among them US Senator Keith Ellison, Global Business Concerns executives and the Somalia envoy to the US among others, ARC awarded Dahabshiil a certificate of recognition.

Dahabshiil CEO, Abdirashid Duale said: “Apart from the pride in being among the three entities to have their special performance within refugee communities recognised, this award is also a morale booster for both our staff and management.

“In addition to our operations that span 126 countries thus a link between the diaspora and home the Dahabshiil group of companies is a major employer in the Horn of Africa not to mention our to reckon with corporate responsibility in which a chunk of our earnings are channelled back into local community beneficial activities and projects.”

ARC President and CEO Daniel Wordsworth presented each business with a plaque honouring their collaborations and achievements.

He said: “I can say with certainty that we wouldn’t be in the place we are today without Dahabshiil, Atomic Data, Dorsey & Whitney, and BMO Harris Bank. These are people who are working with us to make change around the world right here from Minnesota. I couldn’t be prouder tonight of what we’ve accomplished, together.”

All four global business partners convened again on Saturday evening to participate in the Changemakers Ball, which had over 1,000 attendees. Dahabshiil was the event’s Global Business Ambassador, Atomic Data was the Presenting Sponsor, BMO Harris Bank was a Host, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP was a sponsor.