Group launching humanitarian aid collection

A Turkish community group based in East Kilbride is this week launching a humanitarian aid collection for the hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors displaced from their homes.

The Turkish Culture and Heritage CIC has linked up with the Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association (DGMA) charity to appeal for essential items to send directly to Turkey with the help of the Turkish Consulate in Edinburgh.

The drop-off point will be at their base in the Maxwell Building, Nasmyth Avenue, in the Scottish Enterprise Technology Park.

Items needed include: brand new warm winter clothing such as coats, jumpers, gloves, scarves and woollen hats, socks and underwear; food parcels including longlife food and canned goods, baby food and formula; and toiletries such as nappies, baby wipes, cleaning and hygiene wipes and children’s toys.

Other materials like tents, camp-beds, blankets, sleeping bags and flashlights are also welcomed.

Cash donations can also be made via their website at dgma.org.uk/donate

Naim Erol and Sitki Nalci, directors of the Turkish Culture and Heritage CIC, said:“We, the local Turkish community, would like to appeal for support for the Turkish and Syrian Earthquake disaster.

“This earthquake caused an unprecedented scale of death and destruction and the survivors were left with nothing but only the clothes they had on.

“Unfortunately, the weather is cold and survivors are in desperate need of shelter, clothes, food, basic medical supply and medicine.

“We will be grateful if you could donate whatever you can. Thank you for your generosity.”