IHH volunteer Ihsan Kılıç explained that he would be cycling to bring attention to the fact that orphans throughout the world are living under extremely difficult conditions. Kılıç added, “When we talk about famine, war, humanitarian crises, natural disasters etc., undoubtedly those most affected are orphans. I am talking about children who have lost their fathers and have no protection. I first asked myself what I could do for orphans and I talked to IHH officials. As a result of these talks, we decided that raising awareness is one of the most important things we can do, so I chose to do this.”

Kılıç will cycle from Malatya to Bursa and visit 13 cities, covering a journey of more than 500 km. He explained, “If I could manage to raise even a little awareness I will be very happy. Doing something for orphans is one of my duties as it is for other people. I am inviting everyone to ask themselves, “what can I do for these orphans?”

10.000 new orphans a day

IHH Malayta Board Chairman Ömer Derin was present to send Ihsan Kılıç off. He was wearing a t-shirt with the slogan ““If an Orphan Smile the World Smiles” and “an Orphan in Every Heart” at the event. Derin said that there are 10.000 children orphaned every day due to wars, humanitarian crises, natural disasters and illnesses. 

Derin added, “in IHH Malatya, we are currently supporting hundreds of orphans with the contributions of our donors and this support will continue. We work in collaboration with our colleagues to eliminate any difficulties that these orphans may face.”

After prayers of those present, Ihsan Kılıç started his 500 km cycling journey that would take around 20 days to raise public awareness about orphans.