A Turkish organisation known as IHHINSANIYARDIMVAKFI (Foundation for Human Rights, Freedom and Humanitarian Relief), in collaboration with the Rural Orphans Charitable Association (ROCA) on Tobaski day distributed sacrificial meat to over seven thousand people in The Gambia.
As many as fourteen bulls were slaughtered at seven different locations across the country.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Lamin Sanyang, the Chief Executive Officer of ROCA revealed that this is the second time his organisation is partnering with the Turkish organisation to extend support to the poor and the needy in the country.
"Our target for next year is to cover the whole country by making sure that the less privileged in the society also enjoy the Holy feast," he stated.
According to him, Islam believes in the principles of caring and sharing, and thus the need for the distribution of meat.
When approached for an interview most of the beneficiaries expressed delight in the gesture. They were however quick to heaped praises on the donors.
Alhagie Fabala Gassama, the Chairman of Faji Kunda Central Mosque Committee applauded the ROCA and their Turkish partners for extending a helping hand to the needy.
"Without this kind of intervention most of these people here will not enjoy the feast," he observed. He prayed for the donors while encouraging them to keep up the momentum.
Momodou Susso, another beneficiary also expressed appreciation and thanks to the two humanitarian organisations for helping people like him. "This kind of gesture needs to be continued," he said.
Mrs. Banna Sibi hailed the donors for the sacrificial meat.
"We are appealing for more next year," she appealed.
Mr. Bekai Sonko, another recipient expressed happiness with the move.
"The Gambia as you know is a Third World country and most people cannot afford the sacrificial meat, and as a matter of fact it is highly welcomed for those of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Turkey to stage this massive meat distribution," he said.
"I am very happy to receive meat from ROCA this year as well, our expectations were high before the Eid and thank God they did it again," said one Isatou Fofana, a widow.
