Saudi campaign raises SR136 million for Syrians

Millions of Saudi riyals have so far been collected in the national fundraising campaign for the Syrians, launched by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. Donations continued to pour in on Wednesday. The campaign has so far levied more than 136 million Saudi riyals ($36.2), in addition to quantities of foodstuffs, medicines, clothes, tents, blankets and jewelry, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Saudi philanthropists and businessmen in different parts of the Kingdom responded favorably to the campaign by extending generous donations in cash. The Executive Director of the campaign Mubarak bin Said al-Bakr hailed the wide positive response from princes, officials, businessmen, citizens and expatriates to stand beside their needy brothers in Syria. More than 70 million Saudi riyals were collected within one hour of the campaign, according to the Saudi al-Ekhbariya TV. The five-day campaign will continue until 3 am on Friday. The campaign was kicked off on Monday by King Abdullah who donated 20 million Saudi riyals to the fund while Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, gave 10 million Saudi riyals.