TORONTO – The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) is donating $15,000 to the urgent humanitarian crisis affecting Turkey and Syria from the devastating earthquakes that have already killed 11,000 people, with more victims expected in the coming days.
Early morning on Feb. 6, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, in densely populated areas causing extensive damage as buildings and homes collapsed while people were inside sleeping. This is an unprecedented tragedy in a region home to over 3.6 million refugees from the war in Syria, people who are vulnerable to freezing temperatures at this time of the year.
Aid organizations are quickly mobilizing to provide much-needed rescue operations and emergency aid. It is estimated that up to 23 million people could be impacted by this disaster in an area of the world that relies on humanitarian assistance and has long been affected by war and displacement.
“The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is responding quickly to support victims of this terrible event that has left heart-wrenching destruction, many of those affected being children. We must do what we can to assist global humanitarian efforts to rescue and aid all those impacted by this tragedy,” said Marty Warren, President of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund and National Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW).
The SHF will contribute $15,000 to Islamic Relief Canada, a charitable organization with presence on the ground, that is responding to the disaster in both countries. Funds will contribute to providing medical supplies to local hospitals and working on implementing emergency food and shelter support. Islamic Relief Canada is also part of a Canadian Humanitarian Coalition, co-ordinating efforts with other aid organizations in response to this tragedy. For any individuals wanting to donate, visit the Humanitarian Coalition website.
Founded in 1985, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization that focuses primarily on development projects and emergency aid in developing countries but also supports Canadian communities. USW members contribute to the fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements. In some cases, employers make matching contributions to the fund.
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