SR 552 million raised so far for victims of brutal Assad.

A major donation campaign launched by Saudi Arabia to alleviate the suffering of Syrian civilians raised SR 552 million as of yesterday. The campaign under the title 'Saudi National Campaign for the Support of Brothers in Syria,' launched late last month by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah with a donation of SR 20 million, has been joined by a large number of philanthropists and donors, including businessmen.

The campaign was launched under the supervision of Prince Ahmad bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister, said an SPA report yesterday. A spokesman of the secretariat for the campaign said that the secretariat continued to receive donations in its accounts even yesterday. An accredited account has been set up at National Commercial Bank for this purpose.

"The total cash collected by the campaign exceeds SR 522 million," he confirmed when asked about the exact figure and whether the donations are still pouring in.

"The move to extend financial support to Syrians is significant given the deplorable situation in that country. The killing of innocent men, women and children are continuing," added the spokesman. The bodies of more than 30 civilians -- some of them women and children -- were found yesterday in the streets of the Syrian town of Daraa where President Bashar Assad's forces have been waging a fierce assault against rebel holdouts. The latest deaths brought the toll in Daraa to more than 120 in the past week alone.

The spokesman also referred to the constructive role of the Kingdom and the Gulf states, which are exerting efforts to restore peace and security in that country. He pointed out that a large number of royal family members, officials, businessmen and ordinary people have made donations in cash and in kind during the last five weeks.

To this end, it must be noted that Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and defense minister, donated SR 10 million for Syrian civilians. This was followed by Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, chaired by Prince Alwaleed, which donated SR 5 million to alleviate the sufferings of Syrian people. "The campaign to support the Syrian people has come amid accelerating violence where thousands have lost their lives since it began in 2011," said the official.

"Saudi people were urged to participate in the campaign when it was launched," said the campaign official. "This was well received by our people, be it men, women or children, who came forward to donate for the cause." The campaign, which was only to last 5 days, also collected food, medicines, medical equipment, clothes, tents, blankets and above all, gold and silver jewelry.

Donations from within the Kingdom can be sent to account number 20188888000100.

Donations from outside the Kingdom can be sent to account number SA2310000020188888000100.

Donations can also be made through tele banking at Al-Ahli (NCB) toll free number 920001000 or by direct deposit in cash or by a check or via ATMs.

Copyright: Arab News 2012 All rights reserved.

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