27 August 2010 / TODAY’S ZAMAN WITH WIRES, İSTANBUL
The executive board of the Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ITSO) has made a move to extend some relief to victims of a recent spate of devastating floods in Pakistan, donating its entire budget set aside for iftar invites and other meal programs for its members during the month of Ramadan instead to help Pakistani earthquake victims.
ITSO President Hasan Hüseyin Kaçıkoç issued a written statement yesterday saying that in addition to the cash aid they had already pledged to help the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the disaster and ongoing humanitarian crisis, they would also cancel all of the iftar dinners they had planned to host this month and send that money to help Pakistanis as well. “Even the smallest of aid we can send to Pakistan during this blessed month carries great importance for the people there who are struggling to stay alive. As a people who love to help and be of assistance, I invite all Isparta residents to send charity to Pakistan,” Kaçıkoç said. He noted that many businesses and organizations in Isparta had plans to raise funds to send to Pakistan, expressing optimism that they would come up with a significant amount and make an impact in the lives of those in need. “We’re not organizing any iftars this year. When there’s a situation like this [Pakistani tragedy] at hand, it would be far more preferable to help our ally Pakistan and allow the people there to feel that they are not alone,” he said. In addition to ITSO members, private citizens are also being called upon to donate to ITSO’s fundraising efforts to aid the flood victims.
