RIYADH, 28 February 2008 -- The Saudi Charitable Society for the Care of Orphans (Insan), which is chaired by Riyadh Governor Prince Salman, has received SR300,000 in donations from McDonald's Saudi Arabia.
The donation is part of the continuing charity program launched by McDonald's under which the fast food chain has been extending substantial financial help to Insan and other charities in the Kingdom for the last several years.
"I would like to thank those thousands of people, who have contributed to this humanitarian cause. To help Insan is part of our corporate social responsibility among several other activities that come in line with our dedication to serve our society," said Prince Mishaal ibn Khaled, president of the Riyadh International Catering Corporation (RICC), who announced the donation here yesterday.
The donation check of SR300,000 was given to Insan General Manager Saleh Al-Yousuf in a glittering ceremony organized to mark the occasion at a McDonald's outlet on Takhassusi Road in Riyadh. The celebration was attended by a large number of children from orphanages, senior business executives, representatives from Insan and McDonald's and winners of the World Children's Day drawing competition.
"We would like to thank McDonald's for their contribution, which will draw a smile on children's faces," said Al-Yousuf.
McDonald's Saudi Arabia, which is operated by RICC, has been giving donations to Insan on the occasion of World Children's Day every year. More than 22,000 orphans are supported by Insan. The move to extend a helping hand to Insan is in line with the contributions made by over 39,000 McDonald's restaurants in more than 123 countries for needy children.
Operating since 1993, McDonald's Saudi Arabia has 100 restaurants, said the RICC chief. "The company has also finalized plans to open about 100 new trendy McDonald's restaurants within a few years from now," said Prince Meshaal.
By M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan
© Arab News 2008
