Land and jewelry among donations at fund-raiser

Donations for Syrians continued to pour in as the National Fundraising Campaign collected more than SR 200 million by early yesterday.
Saudis and expatriates demonstrated their solidarity with their Syrian brethren by donating their valuables.
Total cash donations amounted to SR 203.97 million on the campaign’s third day, excluding the value of donations-in-kind such as real estate, jewelry and vehicles.
The campaign was called by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to help alleviate the suffering of Syrians. The king donated SR 20 million to the fund while Crown Prince Salman gave SR 10 million.
Although the fund raising campaign continues until Friday at 3 a.m., managers said they would accept donations-in-kind until Monday.
“A Saudi in Unaizah in the Qassim region donated land worth SR 200,000,” said Khaled Al-Humaidi, director of Al-Birr Charitable Society in the city. His charity received donations worth more than SR 250,000 in cash in addition to jewelry and food.
Regional governorates have made special arrangements for the campaign. In Dammam, more than SR 30 million was collected in the first hours.
A newly married Saudi woman donated the jewelry she received as mahr or dowry. “I cannot keep this jewelry while my brethren in Syria are in need,” the bride was quoted as saying.
Al-Rajhi Bank announced a donation of SR 5 million while NCB donated SR 2 million. The Arab National Bank and SABB gave SR 1 million each.
Hussam Shaath, director of public relations at Saudi Relief Committee, said relief work for Syrians required more than SR 400 million, adding this would provide relief assistance to 500,000 people, distribute food needed for one month and set up 50 relief clinics.
Meanwhile, Talal Mirza, chairman of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commended Saudis for responding to the call of King Abdullah and extending their generosity to the Syrian people. “There is nothing unusual in the expression of solidarity by Saudis toward their brethren in Syria. It is inspired by the teachings of Islam,” Mirza said.
Mazin Tunisi, deputy chairman of MCCI, expressed his hope the donations would alleviate the suffering of Syrians who are facing brutal oppression under Bashar Assad’s regime. He commended businessmen and women for their support of the campaign.