JEDDAH — Al-Mustawda Al-Khairi (the Charity Store) announced on Tuesday that it has spent over SR22 million on charity programs as well as providing food supplies and furniture for the needy. Al-Mustawda Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Al-Othaim, speaking during the charity's annual festival in Jeddah, said his organization started last year a number of charity projects, distributed food, furniture and cash among the needy. The society focuses on helping poor families become independent and capable of tackling their financial issues on their own. Its role is to provide a link between those who donate and the needy while protecting the latter's dignity. The head of Makkah Social Affairs Abdullah Al-Tawi said the work of charity societies complements government efforts in this field. The government, he added, provides support for these societies and hoped they advance their efforts. Professor Ali Al-Namla of Imam Saud University in Riyadh, also a previous minister of labor and social affairs, highlighted the importance of creating a channel of cooperation between government bodies, the private sector and charity organizations. Al-Namla stressed on the role volunteers can play to enhance charity work. He also called on the media to work closely with these organizations to highlight their work, and provide them with needed support. The society has a number of programs that serve widows, poor families, talented poor students, fasting people and orphans.
