The act of charity was given new meaning when a Saudi man recently placed a fridge in his local street for the less fortunate to grab food from.

The man, from Hail, did not want to be named, but stressed the importance of putting leftover food to good use.

The image of the fridge in the street spread like wildfire on social media sites, Twitter and Facebook, and in international newspapers, even airing on the BBC.

Sheikh Mohammad Al-Araifi paid tribute on his Twitter account to “the Saudi man from Hail who was engaged in an indirect act of charity.”

This will undoubtedly make Muslims proud, said Arif Ahmed, an expatriate.

The Kingdom’s residents are renowned for their acts of kindness, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan, where many send meals to mosques in a bid to curb the begging phenomenon, he said.

“This man has taught us a very valuable lesson about not wasting food. This is a simple effort that anyone can embark upon instead of throwing food in the trash bin.”

Abdulaziz Ahmed, a Saudi, concurred with Ahmed's views.

“This is an excellent example to follow. While there are many beggars, several less fortunate residents are too ashamed to come forward and ask for food or money. It is our moral duty to ensure no one around us is hungry.”

Several residents have since pledged to set up fridges in their alleyways and in front of local mosques.

“Unfortunately, food wastage is very common here, especially in Ramadan,” said Saleh Shamawi, a businessman. “This is an excellent idea for engaging in charity while avoiding wastage for which we will be held accountable.”

The idea has also gained popularity among residents in foreign countries, according to international media.