“At present we have only 13 centers. Even if we build 50 it will not be enough for a large city like Jeddah,” said Ahmed M. Al-Sheikah, president of the organization.

Speaking to Arab News, Al-Sheikah said the committee has already requested the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) to set up a center in the industrial city and another near the chamber of commerce. He indicated that the committee could mobilize businessmen’s support for building the much-needed first-aid centers.

He disclosed the committee’s plan to provide first-aid training courses for workers of the Tawafa organizations and volunteer groups who render their services to pilgrims during the Haj season. “We have a plan to train 500 first-aid service providers every year with the support of RCA and private hospitals.”

Al-Sheikah stressed the need for greater coordination and cooperation between the RCA and the committee. “Businessmen are ready to support but we have to show them our plans and programs,” he said, adding that his organization was seeking support from businesses and philanthropists in terms of providing funds, offering training, giving cars, and so forth.

Spelling out the committee’s achievements during the past year, he said it has formed a team of volunteers, set out its bylaw and worked out future plans. “Time is our main challenge as most people who are ready to cooperate with the committee are already busy in various business and official activities,” he pointed out.

Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif issued a directive about three years ago to set up RCA friends committees in all the Kingdom’s regions. Plans are under way to establish such committees in major cities of the country.

Al-Sheikah pins hope on youths who displayed their spirit of voluntarism during the Jeddah floods by offering their services to alleviate the suffering of flood victims.

“It was a spontaneous action and they did it marvelously well. If they had received proper guidance they could have done a better job.”

He emphasized the importance of setting up a database of volunteers uploading information about their specialization and skills in order to make use of their services effectively. He requested the youth to cooperate with the committee and take the initiative to organize innovative programs for the benefit of the public.