One week after the earthquakes the death toll stands at over 33,000, with no signs of this being the end. It is the biggest disaster in that area for over 80 years. MapAction, who spoke at our Guildford Conference last month, were on site by Wednesday working alongside the Turkish Government and the UN, and Shelterbox arrived on Friday. In addition, the other relief agencies partnered with Rotary are now in country.
At this stage, the situation on the ground is complex and confused. The Turkish Rotarians have set up four hubs through which they are distributing relief supplies, but there are severe transport issues and access to Syria is fraught with problems (there is no formal Rotary presence in Syria). Their clear call at this moment is for cash, not goods - they are not asking for truckloads of unsolicited goods. An update (17 February 2023) from the Turkish District is available here.
To find out more about how Rotary GB&I is responding click here.
There are several options for giving:
more A simple operation to remove cataracts restores sight for a £5 donation - Global Sight Solutions
more Within "The Sun never sets in Rotary" global 24-hour event initiated by District 3232 promoting Alumni and celebrating Rotary Day
more A giant artificial reef in the shape of a Rotary wheel restores marine life and protects the livelihood of several fishing villages in the Philippines
more £12.20 is all it costs to feed a child for a whole school year.
more March 2020: The prestigious Champions of Change award has been presented to Jim Onions.
more Harvesting Water in the Kenyan drought region of the Horn of Africa - at £10 per person for life
more Young people work with Brighton and Hove Soiree Rotary Club on the Zanzibar Schools Project (ZSP).
more Help entrepreneurs emerge from poverty with Lend with Care who operate a Microfinance scheme through the Cooperative Bank who cover all costs.
more Help the street children of India and Nepal get a break in life
more Helping families and children in the war torn region of Darfur in Sudan recreate their lives
more Computer Aid International aims to reduce poverty through practical IT solutions.
more Helping Builders,Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Tailors/Seamstresses/Mechanics/Teachers rebuild their own community with Trade Aid boxes
more We have four Rotary Charities in the UK focused on providing relief boxes in event of Disasters.
more Educating and providing accommodation for street children in Manila, Philippines
more Occasional Newsletters from Excellent will be posted here.
back International activity focuses on Rotary's seven main causes - promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, promoting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.