Strict eye on charities, ‘donation’ campaigns

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KUWAIT CITY, April 1: As the fasting month of Ramadan is fast approaching, 17 foundations and charitable societies have obtained licenses from the Ministry of Social Affairs to start collecting donations to distribute Iftar meals to Muslims while six teams were formed to monitor the activities of these institutions, reports Al- Qabas daily. The ministry has specified a mechanism for collecting donations through the charitable organizations’ websites, devices designated for donations in the headquarters of the charities, and donation campaigns in mosques on the condition that K-Net is used and cash donation is not allowed. On the other hand, charitable societies prepared their work schedule during Ramadan.

This schedule includes the distribution of food baskets for individuals and families, in addition to providing ready-to-eat meals in the country and abroad. The charities intend to distribute these meals to 21 Arab, Asian and African countries. The charities set goals for their campaigns, most notably the collection of about KD1.5 million for the distribution of Iftar meals and food baskets. So far, they have collected KD270,000 and have started distributing food baskets to needy families in different areas.

In addition, the Social Development Sector in the ministry — under the leadership of Hana Al-Hajri — is preparing to intensify the monitoring of charitable societies and donation campaigns. The sector formed six teams whose members are from the ministry, Kuwait Municipality, Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and Ministry of Interior. These teams will closely monitor fundraising campaigns in a bid to uncover irregularities. The concerned officials confirmed to the daily that the monitoring teams will not allow any form of gathering in front of or inside mosques during the distribution of Iftar meals.

Officers from the Ministry of Interior will participate in the distribution of daily meals and food baskets to individuals and families in different residential areas. According to the officials, there will be a daily work schedule for distributions to prevent overlapping among charities while the meals will be distributed by area and aid will be delivered to the needy all over the country. Charitable societies will provide sterilizers, while barriers will be set up to prevent gatherings and ensure social distancing.

Below are the methods of collecting donations:

■ Charitable societies’ websites,

■ Mosques where donations should be made through K-Net,

■ Automated donation devices at the headquarters of charities,

■ Links through smart phone applications,

■ Text messages in cooperation with telecommunications companies.

Targeted countries for helping the needy: Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Ukraine, Uganda, Benin, Senegal, Mauritania, Albania, Togo, Iraq, Kosovo and Kuwait.

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