A group gathered at Haliç Park and walked in procession while distributing carnations to citizens. Later, volunteers who participated in the program at the Sütlüce Campus of Turkish Red Crescent watched a promotional video about the organization’s aid from its establishment to the present day. Turkish Red Crescent General Headquarters Board Member Esra Özkoç recounted the historical process of the Red Crescent, founded on June 11, 1868, under the name “Ottoman Society for Aiding Wounded and Sick Soldiers.”
Özkoç expressed that they continue to expand the movement of kindness with volunteers, stating, “We are fortunate to be working together under this great oak tree to make the world more beautiful, livable, peaceful, and to protect human dignity.” She emphasized that each volunteer sets an example of heroism through their work under the umbrella of volunteering. The story of each volunteer touches the lives of others while also beautifying and inspiring them.
The Red Crescent sees volunteers as the heirs of the Hilal-i Ahmer era and believes that the destiny of humanity will be changed by those who perform acts of kindness from the heart without expecting anything in return. Nur Yamankaradeniz, the Turkish Red Crescent Women’s Istanbul Branch President, Genç Kızılay Il President Furkan Arslan, and Turkish Red Crescent Il Center Manager Berat Akova also gave welcoming speeches at the program, which continued with music performances.
Esra Özkoç highlighted the importance of the Red Crescent’s work in providing aid during disasters and emphasized the organization’s role in encouraging individuals and society to do good deeds and foster solidarity. The program included speeches from various officials and continued with musical performances to celebrate and honor the work of the Red Crescent’s volunteers throughout history. The event aimed to inspire more individuals to join the Red Crescent’s efforts and contribute to making the world a better place.
