Prince Abdul Aziz was speaking at a function to recognize the efforts of a number of volunteers, who had launched a campaign entitled “So We Don’t Weep for Loved Ones.”

While stressing the need of society understanding the role of charity work, Prince Abdul Aziz said: “Many charitable associations spend 50-60 percent of their budgets on administrative expenses, making charities depend on volunteers.”

He said all volunteers are welcome as the goal is for the campaign to spread and to serve patients — a mission that the government cannot achieve alone.

Prince Abdul Aziz pointed out that charitable efforts have to be well directed through a body capable of coordinating it to add value.

Shoura Council member and Al-Eqtisadiah columnist Najeeb Al-Zamil was one of the volunteers honored. It was from his column that the campaign evolved into a page on Facebook, calling for support to organ donation programs. It then developed into an active campaign with the cooperation of Pharmacists Club at King Saud University.

“The campaign ‘So We Don’t Weep for Loved Ones’ was launched by a young woman on the social network site to which many youth were drawn,” said Al-Zamil, who added that there are always new ideas and suggestions put forward by the young generation.

Abdullah Al-Tayyash, spokesperson of the campaign, said the campaigners made it their initial mission to spread awareness in society regarding the importance of donating organs. He said the program will continue to build partnership with concerned bodies.