The death toll has now topped 40,000 after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake slammed Turkey and Syria on February 6th, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan imposing a three-month state of emergency in impacted regions. Moreover, the country’s freezing temperatures have made it particularly tough for rescue teams to keep up.
In this case, some countries and major businesses have already pledged to provide support. Major fashion brand Louis Vuitton has announced a partnership with UNICEF to assist their on-the-ground response. Humanitarian help is being provided to children and families in Turkey and Syria, including access to clean water, healthcare and education supplies, child protection services, and psychosocial support.
Meanwhile Kering, and all of its labels including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Kering Eyewear, vow to make a collective donation to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Inditex, the Spanish fashion business that owns Zara, Bershka, and Pull&Bear, made a donation of three million euros and 500,000 items of winter clothing to the Turkish Red Crescent.
H&M also contributed $100,000 to the Turkish Civil Protection Agency AFAD. The H&M Foundation will also donate 500,000 dollars to the Red Cross/Red Crescent and Save the Children to assist their efforts in the area.
For those who are searching for ways to contribute to the welfare of Turkey’s and Syria’s victims are welcome to sign up as volunteers, make a donation and support survivors in rebuilding their lives.
Unicef
Unicef’s response teams in Turkey and Syria emphasize on food, sanitation, and hygiene, child protection and education, as well as the defense of immigrant children and the reunification of families.
Donate here.
White Helmets
White Helmets, also known as Syria Civil Defense, are spearheading the charge on the site. They urgently want assistance in responding to the calamity and transporting hundreds of injured individuals to hospitals in the cold rain and snow.
Donate here.
Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief has started a campaign to help its workers on the ground, who are providing shelter and meals in Turkey as well as medical aid in Syria.
Donate here.
Turkish Red Crescent
The Turkish Red Crescent currently volunteers around the disaster area, offering catering services. They also provide tents, blankets, and mattresses to the victims.
Donate here.
MyFundAction
Malaysia’s own non-profit organization, MyFundAction actively offers their aid on the ground. The team currently help to distribute tents, hot meals, mattresses, winter gear and blankets.
Donate here.