IICO launches fund-raising campaign for Syrian refugees

Chairman of the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) Dr. Abdullah Al-Maatouq announced on Tuesday the launching of a fund-raising campaign for the Syrian refugees under the slogan of "please don't forget us." "The humanitarian drive aims to meet the needs of, and secure accommodation for, the displaced Syrians who bear the brunt of the current severe cold weather," he said in a press conference. Dr. Al-Maatouq who doubles as Humanitarian Envoy of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon noted that the IICO will build temporary housing units that could accommodate whole families in addition to provision of basic food, closing and medical assistance. "The construction of each unit and the provision of staples like flour and rice cost KD 950 which will be covered by charitable donors," he said, calling on benevolent people to contribute to the effort. "As part of its relief effort, the Organization works to secure treatment for the wounded or sick Syrians at various hospitals," he added. The value of share for treating the wounded and patients is estimated at KD 100, Dr. Al-Maatouq added, noting that the Organization will distribute winter closing and blankets among the refugees in various camps in Syria's neighboring countries. He reiterated the appeal for donors to scale up the relief effort for the Syrian refugees and internally-displaced people who face a humanitarian catastrophe due to the severe weather. Dr. Al-Maatouq extolled His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for contributing the IICO with the costs of building 2,000 houses which provided accommodation for some 20,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan and Turkey.