Photo: Wam
Residents in the UAE can now donate to earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria via a new public donation drive. The initiative to help those affected by the devastation on February 6 with a death toll of over 20,000, was launched by the Emirates Red Crescent in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Ministry of Community Development.
As part of the Bridge of Goodness campaign, the government’s humanitarian arm has invited the UAE’s public to offer financial aid to relief efforts in both countries via PayPal, credit card, bank transfer, or by text message. Donations can be made via the link here.
The campaign will also gather and assemble urgent supplies with the packaging of the initial aid taking place on February 11 from 9am to 2pm at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, and in Sharjah near Khalid Lake.
Starting February 12, the ERC and the partnering UAE humanitarian and charitable organizations will directly collect donations in cash and in-kind over the course of two weeks. Those looking to lend a helping hand in the drive can register via Volunteers.ae.
The donation initiative is the latest in a number of charitable efforts launched within the UAE, including a call to collect essential goods such as food, warm clothing, and bedding and deliver them via the Turkey consulate in Dubai, and the Turkish embassy in Abu Dhabi.
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Art Dubai, the Middle East’s annual international art fair has also announced that it will be donating 50% of its online ticket sales for the upcoming March event to support Turkey and Syria.
As part of the immediate response, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai directed the dispatch of urgent humanitarian aid worth AED50 million to the people of Syria. The establishment of a field hospital in Turkey and the dispatch of search and rescue teams in both Turkey and Syria was directed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has also stated that funeral prayers in absentia be performed for the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, following Friday prayers in all mosques across the country.
HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has directed the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women to provide AED50 million to support the Bridge of Goodness campaign.
Below are more ways you can help the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Ibc.org.tr: The International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation (IBC) is using donations to send affected areas essential items including ready-to-eat food, first aid kits, blankets and heaters.
Help.unicef.org: UNICEF is dedicating its efforts towards helping suffering families and children in northern Syria.
Launchgood.com: This campaign will collect funds until March 6, 2023.
Care.or.au: Care will be using its donations via its Global Emergency Fund to provide emergency relief and services to those who need them most. It is allowing visitors to donate both, online, and via telephone. Call 1800 020 046 toll free to pay by credit card.
Oxfam.org.uk: Make donations easily if you reside in the United Kingdom.
Timetohelp.enthuse.com: While the organization is not working in Turkey, it will forward all donations to international charities to ensure those in need receive all the support possible.
Molham.com: Founded by Syrian university students, Molham is currently raising donations at a strong pace.
