JEDDAH, 19 January 2005 — The longest journey begins with a single step, and Jon Harrison, the creative director of advertising agency Horizon FCB has taken it.
He has been motivating members of the Jeddah community to help the victims of the tsunami disaster by forming “Turn the Tide”. It is a brand logo under which he’s invented to gather people from scattered areas and diverse backgrounds to collect clothes, blankets and tents to send to the victims of the tsunami that struck countries in Asia three weeks ago. The contributions, once sorted and packed, will be distributed all over the affected region via the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO).
“So far the results have been superb,” said Harrison. “I have been able sent over fifty boxes and crates together with numerous sacks and bundles of blankets. Through the good offices of the IIRO, I am confident these vital basic necessities will get to people who really need them.”
The operation is not without rewards to those involved. Becoming actively involved in charity when the desperate need for it is so clear gives a sense of purpose to the effort involved. “It is very rewarding when a normally diverse community unites and acts together in the face of a pressing human need,” said Harrison.
Arabian Homes and Binzagr compounds have been scoured for contributions and warmed to the task, helping collect and organize where they could. King Faisal Hospital and the Continental School helped out and supplemented the personal donations from many individuals and welcome input from companies — Tetra Pak, which donated the boxes for packing and transport and Al-Basateen Compound, which as well as collecting gave the team the use of their lorry. “It is a real group effort and proves that when people come together for one purpose they can achieve an awful lot in a short time. They’re the ones we really ought to be thanking.”
The collection continues apace in Jeddah through Haj. Harrison hopes to be sending another sizable delivery out after the break.
