RIYADH, 21 October 2004 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman donated SR2 million to an endowment project for the welfare of some 11,000 orphans in the capital region and called on philanthropists and businessmen to support the project, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Addressing a fund-raising event organized by the Charitable Society for Caring Orphans in the Riyadh Region on Tuesday night, Prince Salman emphasized that the government would do its best to serve the cause of orphans.
“But as a Muslim society, it is our duty to take care of this group. Everybody knows the right of orphans,” the governor told the gathering. He inaugurated the fundraising by giving SR1 million on his behalf and SR1 million on behalf of his sons and grandchildren. SR25 million was collected at the event.
Prince Faisal ibn Salman, chairman of Saudi Research & Marketing Group, and other princes and top officials attended the function. Earlier, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, the grand mufti, gave an inspiring lecture on the significance of caring for orphans, in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Dr. Hamoud Al-Badr, secretary-general of the society, commended Saudis for their generous support to charitable activities and organizations. There are nearly 250 charitable societies across the Kingdom engaged in various humanitarian activities.
“Our society takes care of 11,783 orphans in the Riyadh region,” said Al-Badr, who is secretary-general of the Shoura Council, adding that their number is increasing year after year.
During the event, Prince Salman honored 20 donors for their generous support to the society. An endowment building will be constructed on a piece of land donated by Sheikh Hamad Saeedan and Sheikh Ibrahim Saeedan on King Fahd Road.
