The devastation caused by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on 6 February is still unfolding, with the lives lost now numbered at more than 41,000 and the people displaced at 2.4 million. Emergency response and disaster relief teams in the region are working to deliver urgent aid and medical treatment to those displaced and homeless in freezing conditions; survivors are still being rescued from the rubble. Below are some of the fundraising events and initiatives running in London at time of writing.
- Choose Love, the non-profit organisation supporting refugees and displaced people around the world, are matching donations to their emergency fundraiser. Ongoing.
- An Earthquake Relief Bakesale taking place 26 Feb, organised by Melissa Thompson, Melek Erdal, Ixta Belfrage and Ravneet Gill. Proceeds will be shared between Choose Love, non-governmental organisation AHBAP, and Medico International. 26 February, 12-4pm.
- A raffle, also a part of the Earthquake Relief Bakesale event - enter here, or join the truly impressive list of London businesses and venues offering prizes by emailing [email protected]. Prizes (and there's a long list of them), include a £100 voucher for the Plimsoll Pub, a kaiseki tasting menu for 2 at Angelina in Dalston, a meal for two at Supa Ya Ramen in Dalston or Peckham — and those are just a handful of our favourites. There are also Michelin-starred lunches, festival tickets, and a lot more. 26 February.
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- Head to Mangal 2 in Dalston, where they're selling jars of their chilli sauce throughout February. All profits go to the Turkish Red Crescent Charity. If you visit at lunchtime on 17 February, they're also bringing back their famous mackerel pide, with all profits also going to aid organisations. (Takeaway only.) 17 February.
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- Istanbul-via-Carnaby restaurant Zahter London are collecting donations of winter clothing, blankets, children's clothing and shoes, sleeping bags, and other emergency supplies to be delivered to AFAD (the Turkish government's disaster management agency). The collection is at their restaurant, donations accepted during their usual opening hours (check website), and Sundays 19 and 26 February. Throughout February.
- The return of Mam Sham's comedy supperclub, this time as a fundraiser for the DEC Syria-Turkey Earthquake Appeal. It's their biggest yet, with 3 courses, 3 comedians, and some big names helping out on the menu — including Big Has and Lucky & Joy. Book in advance, tickets starting at £48. 31 March
- Berber & Q have launched an East London Earthquake Appeal raffle, with all proceeds going to Choose Love. Prizes include a dinner for 2 voucher at The sea the sea in Hackney. Till 2 April
- The Old Queen's Head in Highbury's hosting a screening of the film known as Turkish Star Wars (actual name Dünyayi Kurtaran Adam, or 'The Man Who Saved the World'). Infamous for its (very much unauthorised) use of footage from Star Wars, grab a ticket to celebrate its 40th anniversary, with all proceeds going to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. Book in advance, tickets are £5. 5 April
- The great Trans-Siberian March Band — a London-based Balkan brass band, playing a mix of Balkan, Turkish and Klezmer music — are throwing a Big Brass Fundraiser at the Amersham Arms in New Cross, with all proceeds going to the DEC Turkey-Syria Appeal. Book in advance, tickets are £7. 16 April
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- Collections on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee will be taking place at some TfL stations over the next couple of weeks, or you can scan the QR code on signs like this one at London Bridge to donate:
Organisations working on the ground in Turkey and Syria to deliver aid
Choose Love: A humanitarian aid organisation supporting refugees and displaced people around the world.
Action Against Hunger UK: Emergency teams in Turkey and Syria are working with local partners. Their emergency response includes reestablishing clean water supplies to help prevent the spread of diseases like cholera, providing urgent medical care, and giving people winter clothing, blankets, and emergency supplies.
AKUT: The Turkish non-governmental search and rescue organisation.
Syria Relief: The UK's largest NGO focusing on humanitarian aid projects in Syria.
These are, obviously, a tiny fraction of the people and groups working to effect meaningful change. Double check the source/organisation you're planning to donate to if it's a fund you've just spotted on social: we've heard reports of a number of fake crowdfunders in circulation.
Know of other events and fundraisers supporting the emergency disaster relief in Turkey and Syria? Let us know at - [email protected].
