Support for quake victims
Local politicians have thrown their support behind an appeal to aid victims of the earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake and the various aftershocks that followed have taken the lives of more than 30,000 people while many remain missing, trapped under buildings that collapsed.
The UK’s Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), which brings together 15 leading charities, are raising funds to support those impacted in Turkey and Syria.
DEC Scotland Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal has raised £5.5m in just three days with more than £60 million across the UK as donations continue to pour in.
The funds will get life-saving supplies to an estimated 17 million people in Turkey and Syria whose lives have been shattered by the powerful earthquakes that hit the region last Monday.
The Scottish Government has donated £500,000 to the DEC appeal and the UK Government will match donations from the public poundfor-pound up to £5m.
Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, said: “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered crisis and loss as a result of the earthquake in Turkey – Syria.
“I am keen to support anyone whose family may be affected and will ensure to liaise with the Home Office as a matter of urgency if they get in touch with me on lisa.cameron. mp@parliament.uk.”
MSP for East Kilbride, Collette Stevenson, told us:“People need help now as they face freezing conditions.
“I advise anyone looking to assist to consider donating to Dec.org.uk, ensuring resources are spent where required.”
Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon said:“My thoughts are with anyone who has been affected by this disaster and those who have lost loved ones, including those from Syria and Turkey who are currently living in Scotland and witnessing this tragedy.
“It’s been heartening to see local efforts across Scotland to provide essential aid and funds to increase support for those who have been impacted and I would encourage anyone who can donate to do so.”
The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas. Fourteen of these are responding in Turkey and Syria including the six members in Scotland, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Tearfund, Save the Children and the Red Cross.
Sally Foster Fulton of Christian Aid in Scotland and head of the Appeal effort in Scotland said:“The wonderful response that we have seen across the country show real compassion and generosity from the Scottish public, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.”
To donate, head online or text SUPPORT to 70787 to donate £10.