The mission was simple: To distribute pieces of decoration among those rebuilding their houses which were devastated by the floods in November last  year. The small gesture had a big meaning for those involved in it. A company executive, along with some volunteers, were reaching out to the distressed people. The visit was part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) program of Traco to distribute on a monthly basis home decoration items among flood-affected residents of Jeddah.

Ahmed Al-Saggaf, group managing director and chief financial officer of Traco, was at the head of the group. A total of 18 houses were visited and presented with marble pieces bearing Islamic art.

It was a pleasant surprise for the recipients as they were not informed before hand. Volunteers knocked on the door and anybody peeping through the door would be urged to receive the gift.

“Unlike Western countries, the concept of CSR is not much developed in Saudi Arabia. But we need to develop this. Taking care of society is part of our Islamic teaching,” Al-Saggaf told Arab News during the visit.