RIYADH — As part of the global Microsoft citizenship program, Microsoft Arabia has donated $599,310 worth of software to Ektefaa Charitable Women's Association to help collect community data for areas in Jeddah that are most in need. More than 100,000 people will be benefited through the donation. Ektefaa hosted on September 15 an event honoring Microsoft with a representative of Microsoft Arabia in attendance. Speaking at the presentation, Samir Noman, president of Microsoft Arabia, said: “At Microsoft, we believe technology can do amazing things. That's why we donate, on average, $2 million a day in software to nonprofit organizations around the world. For our part, Microsoft Arabia wholly believes in being a responsible corporate citizen of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this donation of software to Ektefaa represents our deep commitment to serving the needs of people in communities where we operate.” Noman added: “In the hands of nonprofit organizations, technology can boost productivity, increase effectiveness through better collaboration, and extend services to new communities and individuals in need. Moreover, technology can be a powerful force that opens exciting opportunities for nonprofit groups to better achieve their missions and accelerate their impact.” The donated software includes Office 2013, Visual Studio Test Professional 2010. Win Pro 7, Exchange Server 2013, Windows Server 2012, Project 2013, Visio Professional 2013 and Share Point Server 2013, and much more. Microsoft also gave the attendees gist of USBs and Training Kits consisting of books and CD's. Accepting the software donation, Jawaher AlQurashi, Ektefaa Vice-President, said: “We extend our sincere thanks to Microsoft Arabia for the support provided to us. We also thank the Global Goodness initiative for its prominent role in making this possible. Concluding her acceptance speech, AlQurashi said: “This valuable donation is a significant addition to private sector support for charitable work and we urge all companies to contribute to similar initiatives that enhance the social development of our beloved country.” Ektefaa, a charity organization approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs, specializes in the field of research and adheres to international scientific research standards. Ektefaa makes its research data and information available to other NGOs and partners in joint projects to address the needs of various communities. As an organization that is so integrated within the social and commercial environment, Microsoft Arabia strongly believes in corporate social responsibility, which it demonstrates through citizenship programs for young Saudis, women and people with special needs. — SG
