Saudi Gazette MAKKAH – The department for safety and social and cultural services at Makkah Municipality has formed five voluntary teams of girls in cooperation with King Khalid Charitable Foundation and Arwiqa for Voluntary Work to provide guidance and support to pilgrims and visitors. Raed Bin Abdullah Samarkandi, director general of the department, said the teams were formed as part of the municipalilty's efforts to promote and develop voluntary work in all sectors in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. "It will also contribute to developing a culture of volunteerism among all groups of people in the country," Samarkandi told Saudi Gazette. He highlighted the participation of voluntary teams during the holy month of Ramadan. "They engage in providing guidance to pilgrims and worshippers, helping stranded pilgrims and children and distributing iftar meals among pilgrims," he explained. The volunteer groups will also explain the culture and traditions of Makkah to pilgrims and highlight Makkah's identity and heritage, Samarkandi said. Each group of volunteers contains at least 30 members, in addition to a leader, he pointed out. The five teams are named Gharas, Muthmira, Awasir, Meethaq and Mulhimoon. They work in different locations such as the Amoudi Museum in Shumaisi, Anjum Hotel at Jabal Al-Kaaba, the Kiswa factory, the Haramain Museum, Al-Rajhi Mosque in Naseem and the courtyards of the Grand Mosque. Samarkandi emphasized the significance of volunteer work, saying its spreads goodness in society and reflects a positive picture of the Kingdom. It also reflects the good qualities of members of a society. "It's a positive phenomenon," he said, adding that volunteer work promotes humanitarian values and services. "It's a constructive social phenomenon and enhances the value of cooperation among members of a society," he explained. He praised Makkah Mayor Dr. Osama Al-Bar for his continuous support to voluntary groups. He is keen to meet their requirements for playing a significant role in society. "These voluntary groups support the municipality's social responsibility endeavors in favor of pilgrims and visitors during Ramadan. It also contributes to making use of the youth's energy and capabilities in a constructive way and encourage them to carry out voluntary work for the benefit of society," he concluded.
