Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — In the wake of the disaster that struck Florida in the United States last week, Saudi Students Association at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, turned out to help the massive effort of providing hundreds of food packages and in-kind assistance to those affected by hurricane Irma.

The Saudi Students Association at USF was one of the first organizations on the campus to take to the streets of Tampa to aid Irma survivors and offer relief and aid packages to them.

“As part of the continued role of the government of Saudi Arabia and directions from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince to help those in need, Saudi students wanted to show support for those affected by the hurricane in Florida,” said the president of Saudi Students Association, Hussein Saad Al-Robei.

He added “It’s important that people step up and do the most that they can for their fellow humans, especially during such disasters.”

Al-Robei thanked Saudi volunteers for their great efforts and said he was touched by students coming together to work as one team to take care of others.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette from Tampa, Hatim Al-Ghamdi, head of the media committee and public relations, said it was their duty to lead the charge and help those in need.

“I am proud of our students for taking the initiative," he said.

"By coming together to help others, by staying strong, and by standing by others who are in need, we will again serve as an example to our country of what it means to be a true community member," he added.

From her part, Katie Leonard, coordinator for Student Organizations and Leadership at USF, admired the Saudi students who gave their time and effort to help those who were affected by the hurricane.