RIYADH, 5 October 2004 — Individuals and groups who made their mark in community service were honored for the first time at a ceremony organized by Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Sunday. Riyadh Governor Prince Salman gave away the awards.
Prince Salman stressed the importance of charity work and reaching out to the needy as he recalled the days when the Kingdom was a close-knit community where everyone knew everyone else.
“It makes one feel good to be doing good things for others. It’s human nature to be weak or strong, but Islam teaches us love of our fellowmen as we prepare for the next life. We will be judged not for what we are but for what we’ve done,” Prince Salman said.
“I would encourage you to do your share for the community. It is one way for us to be united as one people. The Saudis as a community are known to be friendly, compassionate and helpful,” he added.
The first batch of 10 awardees led by Prince Sultan ibn Mohammad ibn Saud Al-Kabeer received citations from Prince Salman. RCCI President Abdulrahman Al-Jeraisy commended the recipients of what was envisioned as annual awards and encouraged them to continue their good work toward the uplift of the community.
There were four awards categories namely preservation of nature and environment, promotion of prisoners’s welfare and their families, health care and housing and eradication of poverty, according to RCCI Secretary-General Hussein Al-Atheil. There was no qualified candidate for the fifth award category — social services, Al-Atheil added.
Prince Sultan, chairman of Almarai Dairy Company, was cited for his contribution to the preservation of nature and environment. Winnning the same award as an institution was Al-Safi Danone.
Abdullah ibn Salman Miguerin and Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Saedan were joint awardees for promoting the welfare of prisoners and their families.
Also honored were Nasser ibn Mohammad Al-Motawa, Dr. Nasser ibn Ibrahim Al-Rashid and Society Al-Saif for Development, health care; Sheikh Saleh ibn Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi, Kingdom Holding Company and Al-Jomaih Company, housing and eradication of poverty.
Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Co., was present to receive the award and so was Al-Jomaih Chairman Sheikh Mohammad A. Al-Jomaih.
