A big thank you to Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) who were able to help the Turkish Community at this time, as two members of VAS staff, both of Turkish origin, were at the Centre in Swindon helping prepare the first shipment of goods to Turkey.
A Message of Thanks from the Chairperson of the Wiltshire Turkish Community Centre
‘’Thank you all for your kindness in a difficult time for Turkey and Syria. Thanks to all the good people who brought the much-needed goods to us in hour of need. We pray that these goods now reach the victims and survivors of the catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
“The Wiltshire Turkish Community been inundated with donations, which is a great thing and wonderful reflection of human nature at its best. For now collections are ON HOLD to avoid there being a storage issue at the Centre.
“The first phase of the response the earthquakes is a search and rescue phase. On the back of that, they will then address humanitarian needs. Then should another shipment be arranged we the Wiltshire Turkish Community Centre will share information through social media.
“Many thanks to you all from Wiltshire Turkish Community Centre."
Turkey-Syria earthquake: UK charities launch DEC disaster appeal
An appeal has been launched by the UK's Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria.
UK aid agencies - including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and ActionAid - are joining together to raise money.
Funds will go towards medical aid, emergency shelter, food and clean water after the quakes injured thousands.
The appeal was broadcast on TV on Thursday evening.
More than 15,000 people have died, with that number expected to rise.
The UK government will match the first £5m of donations from the public. Money raised will also provide blankets, warm clothes and heaters for safe spaces.
