RIYADH, 12 June 2005 — Young cancer patients at King Fahd National Center for Children’s Cancer and Research (KFNCR) will benefit from a novel fund-raising drive which seeks to mobilize the resources of multinational companies for a charitable cause. Experts point out that common childhood cancers include leukemia, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, lymphoma and brain tumors. The estimated cost of treatment per patient ranges from SR350,000 to SR1 million at the center.
Thanks to the initiative of Abdullah Al-Shahri, a supervisor at KFNCR, BAE Systems came forward to assist the fund-raising drive through its global Shareek Alkhair Charity Challenge Initiative. Fund-raiser David Good of BAE Systems told Arab News that the company’s management has invited local car dealers to display their latest models in residential areas of Riyadh in return for which the dealers would make a donation to the charity. The funds will be utilized for the purchase of computer equipment at the cancer center.
“We hope the car dealers will find that this provides them with a good opportunity to promote their models to our employees and guests while raising money for a worthwhile local charity,” said Monther Al-Tayeb, in charge of BAE Systems’ Shareek Alkhair program. He added that the company encouraged its employees to be generous with BAE committed to add its donation to whatever comes from its employees.
The initiative has had an effect with Renault of France becoming the first car dealer to display its vehicles at the BAE Systems compound, while Nissan, Toyota, BMW and Harley Davidson lined up for the road show. They have also pledged funds for the children’s cancer center.
