Direct Sourcing: The 16-Hour Drive for 22 Tons

May 5

Pillar: Relief & Community | Source: Istanbul, Turkey | Volume: 22 Tons | Efficiency: +20% ROI

To maximize the impact of every donation, sometimes you have to look beyond the local market. After analyzing our supply chain, we realized that by purchasing directly from Turkey, we could secure goods for 20% less than in Romania or Ukraine.

So, we made the grueling 16-hour drive to Istanbul to prove the concept. After a sleepless day of negotiating with suppliers, we returned with 22 tons of food and hygiene products.

The Economics of Compassion This trip wasn't just about filling a truck; it was about establishing a new price point for aid. By going directly to the source, we have driven our costs down significantly:

Food Package: ~$25 USD (Sufficient for 2 people for 1 week)
Hygiene Package: ~$5 USD (Sufficient for 2 people for 1 month)

From Bulk to Bag This 22-ton shipment is the backbone of our next major push. It will be broken down and assembled into 3,000 individual care packages. Because of the savings we secured in Turkey, we can produce more of these kits for the same budget, directly increasing the number of families we can support.