Ramadan aid to put food on table for the needy

Turkey's leading aid agencies will help millions of oppressed people in nearly 100 countries across the globe during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The agencies, including Red Crescent, Humanitarian Relief Foundation (İHH), Cansuyu Charity and Solidarity Organization, Sadakataşı and İyilikder will send aid to millions of oppressed people across the world so that they will put food on their tables in Ramadan.

"We will send aid collected by our volunteers to 10 million needy people in 30 countries around the world including Turkey," Red Crescent head Kerem Kınık said. Noting that Red Crescent will especially focus on Africa this Ramadan, Kınık said they will also set up an iftar (fast-breaking) tent in Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the month. Their motto is: "Let's share Ramadan under this Crescent." The agency is accepting donations through its website (www.kizilay.org.tr), and via their bank account, SMS on 2868, and 168 helpline.

"We aim to help 3 million people in 95 countries. We will distribute 300,000 food packages to oppressed people during this holy month," General Secretary of İHH Yavuz Dede said. "People in need all over the world are expecting a warm hand to be extended to them because of Ramadan," he added. İHH's tagline is, "It's the right time to share." Volunteers may help the foundation via IHH's bank accounts and its website (www.ihh.org.tr).

"Turkish people known for their benevolence and generosity have made it our mission," head of Sadakataşı Foundation's Kemal Özdal said. "We will operate in 21 countries during Ramadan and reach out to needy people. We will deliver food packages and toys and clothes for children," Özdal added.

Head of Cansuyu Charity and Solidarity Organization Mustafa Koylu pointed out that they will also deliver aid during Ramadan. "We will dispatch our donors' aids to thousands of needy people around the world. We will set up iftar tents and deliver food packages in Turkey and abroad," Koylu said.

İyilikder Foundation will also set up tents for iftar dinners and deliver food packages during the holy month. Their motto is, "We are brothers and sisters, aren't we?" "We aim to reach oppressed people in 10 countries," said head of the foundation Ibrahim Bahar. "Our donors may help us through our bank accounts, website and by sending an SMS to 4025."