Probably a case where some rich Arab philanthropist (Saudi royal family?) wants to help, but because of scrutiny, it is difficult to give the money directly so they give it to a charity or group they know will provide direct support. If they gave it to the Red Cross, I’m sure it wouldn’t have the same shock value.
The Red Crecent was set up as a mirror organization of the Red Cross for moslem nations
Collaborative relief efforts between Islamic Relief USA and the LDS Church have spanned not only the U.S. but have dotted the globe as well. One of the most recent major partnerships came when the two combined to respond to the October 2009 Pacific Rim earthquakes with a massive aid shipment of food, supplies and equipment to Samoa -- the LDS Church providing the supplies and Islamic Relief USA covering the cost of the airlift.
Its not a one time deal, it is on going.