One initiative was in association with DHA
Dubai, UAE, 04 June 2008 - 3M, the technology company that produces thousands of innovative products for a diverse range of industries and which brought the world Scotch® Tape, recently supported through two of its well known brands - Post-it ® and Filtrete™ - two unique initiatives that aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sticking to important resolutions - like giving up smoking - coinciding with this year's World No Tobacco Day on 31 May. The second of the initiatives was developed in association with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA.
The 'stick to your resolutions' initiative toured parts of Dubai where office workers tend to congregate for cigarettes, and was developed by 3M's Consumer and Office Markets Division in the Gulf, as part of the World No Tobacco Day's aim to reduce the yearly deaths from tobacco-related heath problems.
Representatives from 3M, wearing Post-it ® branded T-shirts, approached smokers and offered them the opportunity of surrendering their packet of cigarettes - in return for a mystery Post-it ® gift. The initiative took place in Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Village and offered information and advice to smokers, about ways to stick to their resolutions. In total, the initiative collected over 150 packets of cigarettes.
"At 3M, we realized that many office workers rely on their cigarettes - just as they rely on their Post-it® Notes - to get them through the working day. In carrying out this initiative, we wanted to highlight to smokers on such a significant day that like the Post-it Note, the ability to stick to something is really important. In this case, sticking to your resolutions, like giving up smoking, is important to your health," commented Shamyl Mooraj, General Manager for the 3M Consumer and Office Business.
The second initiative spearheaded by the 3M Filtrete™ brand was in association with DHA, and aimed to draw attention to the dangers of smoking, and offer simple tips for giving up. 3M alongside health educators visited the BurJuman shopping centre on May 31st and the Al Wasl Hospital on June 2nd, to assist people interested in quitting smoking by arming them with important facts and information.
Speaking on the reason for the 3M Filtrete™ brand to support such an initiative, Mooraj explained; "Since 3M invented the first electrostatic air filter in 1991, we have been deeply committed to producing items that improve the quality of respirable air, and have held an educational partnership with the American Lung Association since 1998. We were delighted to partner with DHA to support this good cause, and offer our help to those looking to quit smoking - to improve their health."
At the events, 3M showcased its new range of Filtrete™ room air purifiers, which are designed for optimal indoor air cleaning by removing micro-particles including tobacco smoke, and will soon be launched in the UAE.
Post-it® Notes and other Post-it products have been making the art of communication easier and a lot of fun for office workers and at home for over 20 years, and come in many colours, sizes, themes and shapes. Post-it Notes are one of a number of supplies for the home and office that 3M produces to make life easier for consumers throughout the Gulf. Post-it® and the canary yellow colour are trademarks of 3M.
-Ends-
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com.
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Manning, Selvage and Lee
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jacky.freer@dubai.mslpr.com
Samara Ghori
Manning, Selvage and Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6153
samara.ghori@dubai.mslpr.com
© Press Release 2008
