Orkney support for the Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal

Folk in Orkney are well known for their compassion and generosity when it comes to charity at home and away.

You will be aware of the ongoing international Turkey and Syria earthquake appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and they have written to the Council Leader, James Stockan, asking if we can support the local effort that is already underway.

And what an effort already! Thanks to a quick permission turnaround by the Council, Orkney Rotary Club collectors gathered over £3,300 in just six hours in Kirkwall on Saturday. This was boosted by a further £150 from a coffee morning in Papa Westray.

Our British Red Cross shops in Orkney have a donate button on their tills where people can make a donation instore.

The DEC appeal, which brings together 15 leading aid charities from across the UK, are telling us that the best way people can help is to fundraise or donate what they can – so the money can be used where it is most effective.

This natural disaster has simply overwhelmed these two areas – with the death toll continuing to rise and now stands at around 42,000 – almost double Orkney’s entire population.

Leader James Stockan said: “A natural disaster of this nature is almost incomprehensible as we sit thousands of miles away in the safety of Orkney. It is impossible not to be moved by the horrendous images we continue to see on our TV screens and social media.

“Knowing the people of Orkney, I can confidently say that everyone will do what they can to help. But what is best? We are advised by the DEC and British Red Cross that monetary donations are the most useful to help those assisting in crisis zones.

“As well as enabling aid organisations to get essential aid to people directly in the worst hit areas, it will also help the people fleeing conflict and danger to get exactly what they need, when they need it, no matter where they are and will support the local economy. This is particularly the case in a fast-moving humanitarian crisis.”

Donations can be made here:  

https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal

https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal

We know that with the cost of living crisis not everyone can afford to make a donation, and there are many other ways people can show their support. This could be through “adopting” a collection tin in your shop or business, organising or signing up to any local bucket collections; holding a fundraiser and raising awareness of the appeal. Please contact Lesley Cowie at the British Red Cross for more information LCowie@redcross.org.uk or 07710 711 259.