An innovative "social market" launched by the Hope Caravan Association (Umut Kervanı Derneği) is empowering hundreds of vulnerable families in Bursa, allowing them to meet their basic needs with dignity through a unique shopping card system.

Throughout November, the project provided critical support, enabling families to freely choose essential goods—from food and winter clothing to cleaning supplies—according to their specific requirements.

Unlike traditional aid distributions that provide pre-selected items, the social market issues shopping cards to identified families in need. These cards grant them the freedom to browse and select products within a designated spending limit.

This approach ensures that aid is not only effective but also respectful, allowing beneficiaries to prioritize what their households need most. Available items include staple foods, red meat, clothing, shoes, and cleaning materials.

İsa Güvendik, President of the Bursa branch of Hope Caravan, highlighted the project's continued impact and the heightened needs as the season changes.

“Our activities continue at the social market. Families in need come and shop freely, meeting their needs with dignity,” Güvendik stated. “With the start of the winter season, we are also providing critical clothing assistance alongside winter food supplies. Orphaned children are also able to freely choose their own clothing and shoes from the market.”

With colder weather setting in, the association is issuing an urgent appeal to the public for increased support. Güvendik emphasized that the demands on the organization are growing rapidly.

“With the arrival of winter, the needs of those in need are increasing. They require support with heating, clothing, and utility bills,” he said. “We call on all compassionate people: let us be sensitive to these matters. Let us stand by our brothers and sisters and not leave them alone. We eagerly await the support of our benefactors for our ongoing boots and coats campaign.”

The Hope Caravan's social market model stands as a testament to a more personalized and dignified approach to humanitarian aid, proving crucial as the community braces for the winter months. (ILKHA)