Shocking scenes from the tragedy unfolding in Syria and Turkey after an earthquake of a 7.8 magnitude struck the countries on February 6, have been appearing on our social media feeds and on the news. Categorised as one of the deadliest quakes to hit Turkey in 100 years, with tremors rocking sections of Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan, this is one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit the Middle East in recent times. With both countries being so close to home, there are plenty of ways you can help support those injured and rendered homeless by the Syria-Turkey earthquake from across the UAE. There are options to donate financial aid, drop off essentials or volunteer your time through official organisations and recognised NGOs.
1. Emirates Red Crescent
The Emirates Red Crescent is running a relief campaign called ‘The Brides of Giving’ to assist the UAE’s official humanitarian efforts in Turkey and Syria. Over the next two weeks you can drop off donations in kind at designated centres across all seven emirates. You can also contribute to the campaign through financial donations which can be made at http://emiratesrc.ae/relief/
2. Sharjah Charity International
If you’re in Sharjah and are unable to make it to any of the physical donation centres, this charitable organisation in Sharjah will be collecting monetary donations and financial pledges which will directed to the Emirates Red Crescent. You can donate here https://campaigns.shjc.ae/relief/
3. Mall of the Emirates
The shopping mall has a donation box handy dedicated to collecting essential supplies such as clothes, blankets, baby clothes, and more for victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria to help them survive the bitter cold. It’s as convenient as dropping them off during your next big grocery run. These life-saving goods will be deposited to the Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘Bridge of Giving’ humanitarian drive that will deliver them to areas affected by the Syria-Turkey earthquake.
4. UNICEF Gulf
The United Nations’ Childrens Fund has a Gulf arm that is rallying resources and donations from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to swiftly deliver aid to the refugees and victims displaced by the earthquake in Syria. The UNICEF team out on the field are working relentlessly to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services to the affected children and families. You can contribute to their efforts by making donations here
5. Volunteers.ae
The UAE’s official smart platform for volunteering offers you the chance to donate your time and physical effort if you’re looking to make a more immediate impact. You can register your interest at www.volunteers.ae to assist with preparing sorting, packing relief supplies for the Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘Bridge of Giving ‘ campaign to aid victims of the Syria-Turkey earthquake.
6. Deliveroo.ae
The food delivery app is helping stave off hunger amongst earthquake victims through a special in-app feature added to donate to Emirates Red Crescent. You can donate the round-up of your total bill or an amount of your choosing at checkout for the next two weeks. All customer donations will be matched by Deliveroo to send relief to those in crisis.
7. Sahim Initiative
Sahim Initiative is an offshoot of the non-profit organisation HAND (Human Aid and Development) is gathering in-kind donations of clothes, food, toys, blankets and medical supplied as part of and Urgent Relief Campaign being conducted in the UAE. You can reach out to the on-site team in Dubai via WhatsApp on 052 906 6442 to get details about the nearest donation locations.
8. Art Dubai
The annual art fair is set to take place in March but they’ve already announced that 50% of all proceeds from the event’s online ticket sales will be donated to registered charities supporting the victims of this tragedy. Tickets are currently available to purchase here and Art Dubai will be held from March 1 to 5.