I SAW a news item about the opening of a non-profit project that involved building a hospital. However, when I read the details, I was disappointed because it was, in fact, a business venture. There is a scarcity of projects to construct non-profit hospitals, schools and shelters. There is a huge need for non-profit work that will benefit those in need. It seems that our businessmen have a specific idea of what good actions are. As a result, we find that philanthropy focuses on the construction of mosques or spending in a cause that is blind to the needs of those who are in need. We are supposed to diversify non-profit projects with the changing of the times and of the need. I was invited to the Shoman Forum in Jordan to give a cultural lecture. This event was about charity work and organized by the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation as a contribution to the promotion of knowledge. The foundation donates one percent of its profit to the forum to enable it to continue its activities. In our country, the sons of Sheikh Hassan Sharbatly have contributed to establishing the Jeddah Literary Club to help writers in Jeddah, an initiative that should be highlighted to inspire businessmen to diversify the type of charitable work that they do. It is possible to mention many charitable projects in the world that have positively benefitted those in need. There are charitable hospitals that specialize in the treatment of incurable diseases for patients who cannot afford to pay. They deal with cancer, heart and liver diseases and kidney issues. Volunteers operate them. These are projects that lead to amazing results. Some businessmen only look for a profit. However, doing something non-profit can also guarantee a profit. When a businessman leaves this earth, he will find that his profits have preceded him.
