Fund-raising event generates SR6.5m

RIYADH, 29 November — Three major charity organizations held a joint fund-raising event here Tuesday night at which more than SR6.5 million was generated. Riyadh Governor Prince Salman contributed SR1.5 million, while his deputy Prince Sattam donated SR1 million.

The function, organized by the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO), the World Assembly of Muslim Youth and Al-Haramain Charitable Foundation, was attended by Labor and Social Affairs Minister Dr. Ali A-Namlah and a number of princes.

Addressing the ceremony, Prince Sattam said he was proud to see the works of the Kingdom’s charitable organizations which send their assistance to different parts of the world to help the poor and the needy.

IIRO’s Ali Al-Jerais said about seven million people had benefited from his organization’s activities last year. He added that the IIRO had spent more than SR76 million on various charitable projects.

The IIRO supports 53 projects for the care of orphans in 48 countries and runs 24 orphanages which house some 150,000 orphans.

The organization has constructed 380 mosques at a cost of SR13 million last year, bringing the total number of mosques built by it to 4,200.

It has established 38 educational institutions and sponsors 27,000 students. It also runs 104 health centers and hospitals in various countries.

Oqail ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Oqail of Al-Haramain said his organization had carried out charitable projects worth more than SR1.2 billion during the past 10 years, adding that its projects were benefited by people in over 50 countries.

Dr. Manie Al-Johani of WAMY said his organization, which was established 30 years ago, has 60 offices within and outside the Kingdom. WAMY carries out mainly educational, social, health and dawa activities.

Addressing the function, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh urged charitable organizations to coordinate their activities to maximize the potential of their collective resources.