Responding to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal

Here at NICVA, we are saddened and horrified by the news of the series of devastating earthquakes that hit southern Turkey and north-west Syria killing tens of thousands of people and injuring many more.

People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days. Access to clean water will likely be a challenge, bringing the risk of cholera and other diseases.

We know people here in Northern Ireland, and in the Voluntary & Community Sector, will want to help.

We’ve pulled together some help and advice to show you how to help in the safest and most impactful way.

Donating money

Money is needed now urgently to help those who have survived the earthquake.

The quickest and most effective way to help those impacted is to contribute through a registered charity. The charities best placed to reach the victims on the ground are those with experience providing help to refugees and displaced people, working with international partners and responding to disasters and conflict.

By giving to a registered, regulated charity, the public can have assurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with charity law and fundraising regulations.

If you want to donate money, there are a number of charities providing humanitarian relief. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently in times of crisis overseas.

By donating to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, you'll help DEC charities provide vital medical care, emergency shelter, food and clean water.

• £30 could provide blankets for six people to keep them warm.
• £50 could provide emergency food for two families for 10 days.
• £100 could provide emergency shelter for four families.

Why is it best to donate cash rather than essential supplies?

One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed.

Donations of goods that have not been requested, can take a long time to get there,  block supply chains and mean that more urgent life-saving assistance is delayed or prevented from getting through.

Make your donation safely

There are lots of organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals, and you may wish to donate through these organisations. It is vital that when you give money you know that it will go to the people it was intended to help. Even in times of crisis, you need to be on the lookout for scams and fraud.

Five simple steps you can take to ensure your money is safe and being used effectively:

1. Check the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity registers Charity Commission NI or Charity Commission for England and Wales
2. Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information
3. Be careful when clicking on links or responding to emails
4. Find out about how the charity is using their funds
5. If in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information

The Fundraising Regulator and Charity Commission are urging people to give safely to the Earthquake appeal.

They encourage people to:

• Check the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Register at www.gov.uk/checkcharity – most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered.
• Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information.
• Be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them.
• Contact or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with to understand how they are spending their funds
• Look out for the Fundraising Badge – the logo that says ‘registered with Fundraising Regulator’ – and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory of organisations which have committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.

Fundraising Advice

If you’re an organisation who wants to help and raise money for the crisis response, we’d advise you to:

• Make sure you are as clear and accurate as possible.
• Think about how you will tell donors about the difference they have made and respond to any questions.
• Consider how your donors will feel about the crisis.
• Think about any offers of support you will not accept.

If you have any questions or queries, get in touch with NICVA and our Fundraising Advisers can help.

What To Do Next

The quickest and easiest way to make a difference today is to donate through the DEC’s Turkey-Syrai Earthquake appeal.