Turkey Syria appeal
Australian Mercy’s Turkey Earthquake appeal launched on 14 February raised $5,200. Australian Mercy matched that amount from our Emergency Relief Fund and already sent $10,400 to a RescueNet Europe team, to buy winter tents, winter sleeping bags, water filters, medical supplies, and childcare resources.
RescueNet is an emergency relief unit that is a long-standing partner of Australian Mercy. RescueNet will provide practical help, address mental health and medical needs, and provide disaster childcare in IDP camps.
Australian Mercy is proud to help and thankful for all generosity thus far, yet this is only half of the RescueNet Europe Fundraising Target of $20,000. The need is staggering. Türkiye is host to the world’s largest number of refugees. More than 1.74 million refugees (mostly Syrians) live in the 11 provinces impacted by the earthquakes. In total, the earthquakes and the 4,300 aftershocks have directly impacted more than 26 million people. Some 47,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged, more than 345,000 apartments. The death toll will soon pass 50,000, with many people still unaccounted for.
It is the peak of winter, which means hundreds of thousands of people are in freezing temperatures – including small children and elderly people – without access to shelter, food, water, heaters, and medical care. RescueNet is on its way. Can you give now?
All donations to Australian Mercy are tax-deductible and go directly to the people who need it most, as Australian Mercy and RescueNet staff are “true blue” volunteers. 5% is deducted for operational and financial management, but none of your donation pays salaries.
God Bless you, and thank you for helping the people of Turkey.
Kent Truehl
Managing Director, Australian Mercy
