MANAMA: Secretary-General of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) and CEO of the Bahrain National Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People in Gaza Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayad announced that more than $5.5 million had been raised so far.
The nationwide fund-raising campaign to help the Palestinians was launched by the Chairman of RCO’s Board of Trustees Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa following directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has proved successful.
Dr. Al-Sayad in a statement published by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said that Bahrain TV had allocated 12 hours on Friday for the campaign. Speakers on BTV included Islamic scholar from Kuwait Shaikh Mohammed Al Awadhi, National Unity Assembly Chairman Dr Shaikh Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, MP Ahmed Al Sa’ati and heads of some charitable and Islamic associations in Bahrain.
BTV also covered donations in commercial malls where the camping received overwhelming response.
He said the members of the Bahraini society responded positively in an unexpected way on the first day, noting that donators included not only men and women, but also children donated their savings and people with special needs, which, he explained, testifies to Bahraini people’s constant readiness to do good and support relief campaigns launched by RCO.
He said the campaign had collected $5.5 million, $5 million of which had been donated by HM the King, adding that the oil, aluminum, industrial, communication and banking sectors are expected to make valuable donations.
He praised the support of the trade community, represented by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to the campaign, expressing optimism of continuous success of the campaign which will run until Friday, July 25.
He said more donation boxes will be available in the Al Waha Mall in Muharraq and Riffa.
He thanked all donators, including HM the King and praised the support of the government, chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Shaikh Nasser, economic institutions and all the citizens.