Kimse Yok Mu to distribute meat in 44 countries

Today's Zaman

A leading Turkish charity has organized an extensive campaign to deliver red meat to people in need in 44 countries around the world.

Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) is continuing its collection of livestock donations for the approaching religious festival of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), during which all able Muslims are required to sacrifice an animal to God. The four-day festival will begin on Nov. 16.

This year the donations will be delivered to the poor in 44 countries as well as in Turkey. A single donation for animals to be sacrificed in Turkey has been set at TL 400 and goes for $100 to $420 abroad as the price of sheep varies from country to country. For instance, while the cost of this religious duty for Muslims in some African countries is around $100, it is $150 in Pakistan and $420 in the impoverished Palestinian territories.

Last year, the charity mobilized 2,316 volunteers to personally go to observe and take part in its campaign carried out inside and outside Turkey. All travel and accommodation costs are born by the volunteers, who also participate in the delivery of the donations. The number of volunteers this year has already surpassed that of 2009. The organization is still accepting donations through its website, http://www.kimseyokmu.org.tr/.

Published on Today's Zaman, 28 October 2010, Thursday