Volunteers Who Assist Pilgrims in Mecca, Medina Honored
The program, launched to mark the UN’s World Humanitarian Day, is aimed at honoring those who help the elderly and people with disabilities to perform their rituals at the two holy mosques and other sites in Mecca and Medina.
Volunteers push wheelchairs for free for pilgrims, distribute Iftar every Monday and Thursday, and during the three holy days every month known as the White Days.
Sheikh Khalid bin Fahad Al-Shalawi, undersecretary general for social, voluntary and humanitarian services, said that qualified volunteers provide services to pilgrims at the two holy mosques.
Earlier this month, the presidency had also launched the “Umbrella of Mu’tamer” initiative to provide pilgrims with umbrellas to shield themselves from rain while performing their rituals.
Al-Shalawi said World Humanitarian Day is marked to pay homage to those workers and volunteers who risk their lives providing aid to needy people around the world.
It also raises awareness and motivates young people to participate in relief work, he said.
Source: Arab News
