DHAHRAN, 1 February — While governments around the world are stepping forward with aid for the earthquake victims in India's Gujarat state, SNAS/DHL has launched an initiative that will allow individuals in Saudi Arabia to contribute to the relief effort as well.
"As part of our corporate and humanitarian responsibilities, DHL KSA is launching a Kingdomwide campaign to aid the earthquake victims in India," said David Atkinson, country manager, DHL.
According to Atkinson, at DHL's three main express centers in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran donations in kind will be collected through Feb. 4. The Indian authorities have identified certain commodities as being especially important and these are the ones that will be accepted for donation. They are water purification tablets, blankets, mattresses, clothes, dry food, food grain, tents, flashlights including batteries, cooking utensils, diapers, baby food and personal hygiene items with the exception of aerosols. All shipping charges to Gujarat state will be absorbed by DHL KSA. All modes of transportation will be used to move the commodities rapidly, including a DHL Boeing 757 freighter jet having a capacity of 38 tons.
A spokesman for the Embassy of India stated that they were pleased with DHL's effort and that they hoped it would encourage individuals and businesses throughout the Kingdom to come forward to lend assistance. The embassy is continuing to work with organizations both public and private in the Kingdom to help render aid to the earthquake victims in Gujarat.
The SNAS DHL Worldwide Express centers dedicated to receive the goods for the earthquake victims are as follows: Dhahran -- Al-Gahtani Building, Dammam-Khobar Highway, 07:00 till 22:00; Riyadh -- Exit 16 off the Riyadh-Kharj Highway, National Guard Road, Sulay District, 06:00 till 21:00; Jeddah -- Wali Al-Ahd Street, Abrug Al-Regma District , 08:00 till 19:00. The last donations will be accepted on Feb. 4 at 19:00 in Dhahran, 18:00 in Riyadh and 19:00 in Jeddah. If several small items are donated it is preferred that they be packed in sturdy bags or cartons. "We know that many individuals in the Kingdom are greatly distressed over the tragedy in Gujarat," explained Atkinson. "At SNAS/DHL we hope that this effort will enable them to act in a positive way to allay their grief."
