JEDDAH, 10 August 2006 — With an aim of alleviating the pain and suffering of displaced Lebanese refugees, two young Saudis — Leena Almaeena, an active humanitarian worker and Mohammad Azzam, president and CEO of the European Business Center (EuroBC) — have taken up the gauntlet in garnering support from private companies in the Kingdom to gather much-needed aid for the victims of the unjust war in Lebanon.

Almaeena told Arab News that two companies — Pearls Café and the marble company Orbit — have already agreed to participate in the campaign to privately raise money. She had approached both the companies to help step up humanitarian efforts for Lebanon.

On her insistence, Pearls Café has now decided to organize a fund-raising drive that will continue till enough money is raised to purchase ambulances to meet the medical needs of victims of the ongoing Israeli attacks.

Referring to the efforts of Leena Almaeena, Said Aghil Baaghil, managing director of Logic, the company that owns Pearls Café, said that “it is just inspiring when young enthusiasts like Leena work hard to raise support for such noble causes.”

He added, “The efforts of people like her deserve our individual and institutional support on a large scale.”

Baaghil said, “With such an initiative, I was encouraged to also involve my other brands such as Yalla Utlob, a food delivery service, which is the only one in Saudi Arabia.”

He explained that 15 percent of the daily takings at Pearls Café would be donated toward the relief fund. “People can help with every meal they eat at Pearls Café. We will donate 15 percent of the charges to help relieve the sufferings of the Lebanese people,” he said.

“The upcoming brand Wonder Burgers, the first mobile restaurant in the Kingdom, with eight fully equipped vehicles to begin with, will also join in contributing to the fund.”

Regarding their efforts, Muhammad Azzam explained that he and Almaeena were working in their own private capacities and that they were being helped by Ahmed Suweidan, vice consul at the Lebanese Consulate General, and Dr. Basma Omeir of Khadija Bint Khuwailed Center for Businesswomen at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Both Almaeena and Azzam are working meticulously in raising money and creating awareness. Speaking about what is presently most in need in Lebanon, Almaeena said, “Right now we need ambulances, bulldozers and loaders. There are people underneath the rubble, who have to be pulled out.”

Azzam said, “Our main goal is to minimize the number of deaths. People get buried under the buildings blasted by Israeli heavy fire and mortars, and such equipment can save a lot of lives. Ambulances are also needed in the life-saving efforts.”

Azzam added that besides Jeddah, EuroBC’s office in Beirut has been turned into an operation office to coordinate humanitarian work. “They keep us informed on a daily basis about what is needed, and right now what is required is ambulances and heavy machinery to clear the debris,” he said.

As part of the aid efforts, Azzam disclosed that an agreement has been reached with the Hyundai agent in Jeddah, Mohammad Yousuf Naghi, to buy 21 ambulances at almost half the normal price.

Almaeena and Azzam are networking to elicit support from companies and corporations to buy these. Those who agree to take part in the program deal directly with Naghi.

Azzam revealed that through their efforts Luna for Electric Equipment has donated 50 fans, 50 electric ovens and 50 gas cookers, which are on their way to Lebanon through the Lebanese Consulate General in Jeddah.

Speaking about the problem in Lebanon, Baaghil stressed that the issue is neither Arab nor non-Arab. “This is not a cause of Arab or non-Arab. It is a humanitarian cause. We must do whatever we can to relieve the pain and anguish of mothers, children, old and young,” he said.

“We are committed that this will be our initial humanitarian support no matter how long it takes. Time is not an issue — a month, a year, several years. But we also pray that peace would prevail soon. Our religion teaches us to help others. The current situation in Lebanon demands it. Individuals have to be helped. They alone cannot do it,” he added.