MAKKAH: Members of the public are being warned against giving donations to unauthorized collectors. The Makkah governorate issued the warning on Friday fearing criminals might attempt to cash-in on the backdrop of last month’s floods.
“The Accredited Committee at the Makkah governorate is the sole body authorized to collect donations. Anyone who wants to give donations for the flood victims should contact this committee,” said a press release from the governorate on Saturday.
It further warned that money given to unauthorized bodies and individuals may not reach needy people. “Such unauthorized donation collectors might use the donations for their own purposes,” it said.
The governorate called on both citizens and expatriate wishing to donate to contact the officially Authorized Donation Collection Committee on Tel: 02 664 8888 (Ext: 2509, 2505 and 2504), or Fax: 02 283 2030.
Close to 2,000 volunteers have started collecting foodstuffs, blankets and cooking utensils for people affected by the floods.
Meanwhile, a source close to the committees that are assessing the material damage caused by the floods said over SR1.5 billion ($400 million) is to be distributed to victims.
