Caritas Australia has raised more than $1 million to help people in need following the catastrophic February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our supporters, both the supporters who have been with us for a long time, and those who have recently joined us after seeing the news about the earthquake,” Caritas Australia chief executive Kirsty Robertson said.
“Their extraordinary compassion in the face of the unthinkable trauma experienced in Türkiye and Syria has been incredible.
“Our supporters bring a light in the darkness to people when it is needed most. In times of catastrophe, our supporters stand by some of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and they send a message of love and compassion through their ongoing support. I am proud of the ongoing generosity of our supporters in these challenging times.”
The fundraising milestone was reached only days after an additional 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye. So far, the combined death toll from the series of catastrophic earthquakes surpassed 50,000 people.
“Every single person, especially in southern Türkiye, in northwest Syria, they’ve all been personally touched by this crisis,” said Sally Thomas, Caritas Australia’s humanitarian lead for the Middle East
“Our priority right now is to ensure that people stay warm and have access to hot meals and clean water. People are still grieving or looking for their loved ones, and we are trying to offer the kind of immediate support that will provide a tiny bit of comfort, but also keep people alive and well in the freezing winter conditions.”
Survivors of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria urgently need humanitarian support for shelter, food, blankets and clean water.
Donations can be made at: www.caritas.org.au/syria-turkey.
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Caritas Australia raises over $1 million for Türkiye Syria earthquake (Caritas Australia)
