Country-wide Initiative to Run Contest for School and University Students Inviting Creative Ideas on Responsible Driving

Jeddah-Saudi Arabia: 19 January, 2013 - BMG Foundation, a Saudi-based non-governmental organization, has joined hands with Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd. (HHA) to add momentum to its latest campaign 'Safe Driving, Life Saving'.

Inking the synergy, Basil Al Ghalayini, Chairman, BGM Foundation, signed an agreement with Ali Husein Alireza, CEO of Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd, at the Foundation's headquarters in Jeddah.

A leading automotive distributor and the exclusive dealer of Geely cars in Saudi Arabia, Haji Husein Alireza & Co will support BMG Foundation in raising a culture of responsible driving in Saudi Arabia to reduce the alarming incidence of road accidents and resulting loss of life. The organization will also help the Foundation engage with the youth in the country through supporting a contest that will invite high school and university students to submit innovative ideas on safe driving.

Basil Al Ghalayini, Chairman of BMG Foundation, said: "We are delighted to have Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., the exclusive dealers of Geely cars in Saudi Arabia onboard as main sponsors for our campaign 'Safe Driving, Life Saving'. As one of the first automobile dealers in the Arabian Peninsula, the organization's dedication towards promoting safe driving is exemplary."

According to Traffic Studies conducted by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, over 485,000 accidents have led to more than 6,000 deaths during the last two decades. An average of 20 people die every day due to road accidents in Saudi Arabia, which is also the primary cause of death in males aged 16 - 36 years in the nation. The annual financial loss due to traffic accidents is pegged at approximately SR21 billion. 

Al Ghalayini added: "Building on the success of our campaign for 2012 - 'Our Water, Our Life', and the overwhelming interest we received from the youth in conceptualizing creative campaigns, we are once again set to run a contest for our campaign this year that focuses on safe driving. With road accidents being the single major cause of death among the youth in Saudi Arabia, we strongly believe it is essential to engage the next generation in addressing the situation and instilling a culture of road safety across the nation."

Ali Husein Alireza, CEO of Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., said: "As one the largest car and truck distributors, we believe it is our responsibility to hand over a culture of safe driving to the community. Supporting BMG Foundation in its yearly initiative will help us come closer to achieving our vision of 'road safety for all' across the nation.

"Our company enjoys high credibility as distributors for the top four car manufacturers worldwide. Adding Geely, winner of a five star safety test certificate to our lineup, we are confident that the brand's portfolio of models equipped with advanced safety features will save more lives on the roads."

In its endeavor to support the community and address key social and environmental issues, BMG Foundation organizes annual awareness campaigns in Saudi Arabia. In 2011, in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Electricity, the Foundation launched "Our Water, Our Life" campaign to raise awareness on the prudent use of water, given the fact that Saudi Arabia is the third highest consumer of water worldwide despite the lack of water resources in the country.

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About BMG Foundation:
In a world that constantly reminds us of our differences and what sets us apart, our vision at BMG Foundation is to focus on promoting common values to build bridges between East and West. Since our inception 14 years ago, our NGO has dedicated its resources to serving the less fortunate globally and has supported several causes that assist the underprivileged. Our yearly events aim at educating our talented youth in their sporting, musical and artistic endeavors, as well as, addressing critical environmental issues including water preservation.

For further information, please contact: Hattan Mohamed, APCO Worldwide
Tel: +971 4 433 4235
Mobile:  +971 55 24 267 24             
+966 555 445092
Email: halghalayini@apcoworldwide.com
Twitter: @APCOWorldwide  

© Press Release 2013