QRC’s Ramadan projects to cover 22 countries

Some 22 countries will benefit from Qatar Red Crescent’s philanthropic projects which will be implemented at a  cost of more than QR8mn during the holy month of Ramadan. “We have assigned a budget of QR2.5mn to implement related projects inside Qatar, which include Iftar for worshippers and  the elderely, Zakat al-Fitr and distribution of food items to the needy,”  Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) secretary general Salih Ali al-Muhannadi said at a press briefing yesterday. He explained that QR 2.3mn was allocated for providing Iftar and Eid gifts to people in 17 countries. Inside Qatar, QRC will conduct health awareness lectures about the benefit of fasting and the precautions to be taken during the period. Worshippers in 15 mosques around the country will be offered free medical check-ups, mainly measuring blood pressure and sugar level in blood, after Taraweeh prayers. Al-Muhannadi hoped that the projects would reach out to more than 2mn people inside and outside Qatar. QRC’s Department of Resources Development has been keen to spread its activities around the country through various means of media to broaden its base of donors and make the donation process easier. “QRC collectors will cover more than 70 key locations and will be present at  40 mosques after Friday prayers. The department has also made available  different means to facilitate donation, including telephone calls and online services,” pointed out Saleh al-Kuwari, consultant of the department. The menu on the Iftar table provided by QRC, which would cater to  around 1,000 people will be varied and set at high standards. “We have signed contracts with the best food providers, opting for quality and high standards rather than less prices. Further, each fasting person would get QR20 as a sign of sharing to the needy category of people,” said Adel al-Bakir, director of QRC secretary general office. Manal al-Sulaiti, director of QRC’s Social Development Department, said  the Ramadan projects were among the most important seasonal ones undertaken by QRC within Qatar. She explained that around 250 poor families would get food coupons at a total cost of QR200,000. Another 850 families would benefit from the distribution of basic food items during the holy month. Al-Sulaiti said that allocations had been increased compared to previous years to reflect the increase in the cost of living. “There will be a group Iftar at the Rumailah Hospital for 50 inmates and another for 40 elderly people. Some needy families would receive meals at their doors too,” said al-Sulaiti. QRC will hold a variety of  events at Hyatt  Plaza shopping mall during the Ramadan 6- 15 period.