Pulse ribbons sent to victims of Turkey nightclub shooting

Project to spread hope began after Pulse nightclub shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. – A special project in Central Florida is going international. News 6 has learned that hundreds of Pulse ribbons are being sent to the victims of the Turkey nightclub shooting.

"The Pulse Ribbon Project" has already sent two packages filled with ribbons to Istanbul. 

"They need a little bit of love and hope right now," project founder Ben Johansen said.

A gunman opened fire inside Reina nightclub, Jan. 1, killing 39 people and injuring dozens of others. ISIS has claimed responsibility.

"I immediately kind of got a little sad, emotional over it. Then just said, 'Okay, we got to get ribbons to Istanbul," Johansen said.

Following the June 2016 nightclub shooting at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, Johansen said he's made nearly 140,000 ribbons and shipped them across the world in memory of the 49 people who were killed.  He now hopes his ribbons will help Istanbul heal.

"Even though it's just a ribbon, it's a symbol that's become pretty strong," Johansen said.

Those behind the project posted a message on Facebook, reading in part: "For after all, we all share the planet and everyone needs a little love and hope. We will never forget our 49 and they will never forget their 39." 

Johansen said all donations to the project go directly to the GLBT Center in Orlando.

Shipping a package of ribbons off to Istanbul Turkey. We all must stand together in this world. A little LOVE and HOPE is on the way Turkey. I stand with you.

Posted by Ben Johansen on Monday, January 2, 2017

[INTERACTIVE: PULSE SURVIVOR STORIES] 


About the Author:

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.

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