Holy mosques’ authority in Makkah honors volunteers who assist pilgrims

MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has launched its “Mosque’s Servants: Ambassadors of Humanity” program to mark the UN’s World Humanitarian Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The program 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 Makkah and Madinah.

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 Saudi Arabia marks World Humanitarian Day 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.

Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, said that the Kingdom remains committed to supporting global causes through KSrelief, or the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.