RIYADH — DHL Express Saudi Arabia distributed more than 200,000 umbrellas to pilgrims during this year’s Haj, double the amount given out last year.

The umbrellas were distributed in Mina and Arafat by 25 dedicated DHL Express staff members working from 15 trucks.

“DHL Express Saudi Arabia is committed to social responsibility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which extends to our support for pilgrims performing the most sacred religious duty of their lives, said Faysal Elhajjami, Country General Manager of DHL Express.

“This is the fourth year in a row that we have implemented the umbrella initiative, which has proved to be much appreciated by the pilgrims, and we look forward to repeating it during Hajj year on year.”

DHL Express has a global CSR strategy under the three key pillars - Go Help, Go Teach and Go Green - that cover various aspects including education, the environment and aid to charitable causes.

Implementing this strategy locally, in addition to its help for Hajj pilgrims, DHL Express has partnered with Tarabot, a charity located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, to support patients struggling to cover the cost of medical treatments by providing safe and comfortable transportation from their homes to the treatment locations.

Other DHL Express Corporate Social Responsibility activities include regular fun days for child cancer patients and orphans.

“Being a good corporate citizen of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is inherent in our DNA and we firmly believe that our CSR programs, particularly our Go Help initiative, genuinely benefits the communities where we operate,” added Faysal El Hajjami. — SG