JEDDAH, 28 September 2005 — Jeddah’s Charity Warehouse has made its mark within a short span by supporting hundreds of poor families as Prince Abdullah ibn Fahd, deputy governor of Makkah, urged businessmen and philanthropists to support the organization.
Addressing the charity’s annual fundraising event here on Monday night, the prince commended the organization for its efforts in distributing its assistance to the deserving. More than SR8.2 million was raised at the event.
Abdul Mohsen Al-Khayyal, chairman of the organization, emphasized the importance of charity work to support the poor and needy. He urged the public to donate generously to the warehouse to help carry out its mission effectively.
A boy received applause of the gathering when he donated SR50, which was given to him by his father to buy CDs. A philanthropist gave an apartment worth SR2,500,000 while another brought 1,000 airconditioners and refrigerators. The organization is in need of SR5 million to buy an endowment property.
Charity Warehouse specializes in selling antiques, old furniture, old weapons, stamps, paintings, coins and jewelry to support the poor in Jeddah.
Charity Warehouse supports 3,000 families in Jeddah, according to Abdullah Al-Othaim, managing director of the organization. He said the charity had received donations worth SR10 million during the past two years.
The organization needs more fund as nearly 10,000 registered families still await its help, said Dr. Attiyah Hakami, manager of warranty claims at Saudi Arabian Airlines and an active worker of the charity. It needs SR130 a month to support a family.
“Many families need our help,” added Saud ibn Hassan Al-Fulait, a manager of Charity Warehouse. The charity collection included a cover of the Holy Kaaba, Prophet Muhammad’s rug, and a painting of Picasso.
