Scotland donates £3.2m to DEC Turkey-Syria appeal in 24 hours
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SCOTLAND has donated more than £3.2 million in 24 hours to the Disasters Emergency Committee Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.
And across the UK more than £33 million has been raised as the death toll from the devastating quake passes 20,000, with more than 70,000 injures and tens of thousands displaced and struggling to survive in harsh conditions.
The total includes £500,000 from the Scottish Government, £5 million in Aid Match from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as well as donations from Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort and Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas. Fourteen of these are responding in Turkey and Syria including Islamic Relief, Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee, working with locally led relief efforts.
Sally Foster Fulton, from Christian Aid Scotland and leading the Appeal in Scotland said: “We’re so grateful to everyone across the country who may have already donated to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.
“The stories we’re hearing from the survivors who have managed to escape the ruins of flattened and crumpled buildings without shoes and coats in the depths of winter are desperately sad.
Turkish community devastated in Moray
“It is hard to grasp what they and their families are going through. But what we do know is that thanks to hugely generous support so far, help is already being delivered by 14 of our member charities in the region. They are providing hot meals, blankets, and medical aid.
“One of the DEC’s members, Tearfund and their partner in Aleppo, in Syria has opened three shelters for people who have lost their homes, providing warmth, shelter, hot meals, water and other essential items such as soap and toothpaste, blankets and warm clothing. So far, they are supporting around 1000 people.
“But we can do more with further donations. If you are able – please help.”
Four days after the first earthquake struck while people slept, the focus is turning to the growing humanitarian needs of the 17 million people in the affected area. Many people have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, and food and clean water is needed.
According to the Turkish government, 380,000 people have sought refuge in government shelters or hotels. Buildings have also collapsed in north-west Syria where many people have fled from conflict in the country and medical facilities are limited.
Immediate priorities are search and rescue, providing medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, as well as blankets, warm clothes and heaters for safe spaces. They are also ensuring people have enough food and clean water.
Actor Daniel Craig voiced his support for the appeal with an emotional call for donations that followed the evening news yesterday (Thursday 9 February) on ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. He was joined by actor Tamsin Greig who presented the appeal on the BBC, while independent radio appeals were voiced by legendary actor and broadcaster Sir Michael Palin.
Daniel Craig said: “The pictures and stories coming out of Turkey and Syria are horrifying. Thousands have died or been trapped in rubble, with many suffering life-changing injuries and countless more losing loved ones.
“People’s homes and belongings have been destroyed, leaving them without shelter in freezing winter conditions, and those buildings still standing are at risk of collapse. Access to clean water is difficult, bringing the risk of cholera and other diseases. Emergency responders and aid workers desperately need your donations to help with the rescue efforts and to ease some of this suffering. Even a small amount will make a huge difference – providing a warm blanket or a hot meal. Please give whatever you can.”
You can support the appeal in a number of ways:
Go to dec.org.uk
Phone: 0370 60 60 610
Text SUPPORT to 70787 to donate £10.
You can also donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque by post to: DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
