Emirates Red Crescent announces volunteer drive to help Turkey-Syria earthquake survivors

Campaign named 'Bridges of Good' will run for two weeks

Emirates Red Crescent are looking for volunteers to help compile and pack aid kits. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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Follow the latest on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Emirates Red Crescent has announced its campaign to help people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, naming it "Bridges of Good".

The drive will begin packing initial aid on February 11, from 9am to 2pm at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centro at Expo City Dubai.

The campaign will run for two weeks and needs volunteers to help pack relief boxes for survivors of the earthquakes.

Anyone who wants to volunteer can register via the website volunteers.ae.

The campaign is being organised in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and the Ministry of Community Development.

Residents can donate to help people affected by the earthquake here.

Turkey's consulate in Dubai also launched a donation drive for vital food and winter clothing to support survivors of the earthquake which rocked the country and neighbouring Syria.

Members of the public are being invited to supply essentials to those affected by a disaster which has left a trail of destruction in both nations and prompted rescue efforts from across the globe.

Humanitarian organisations across the UAE are now also taking part in the initiative.

The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment have all joined the volunteer campaign.

Dubai Cares, the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), the International Humanitarian City, the Dar Al Ber Society, the Dubai Charity Association, the Sharjah Charity International, Sharjah Charity House, Emirates Charity, the Emirates Airline Foundation, the International Charitable Organisation, the DP World Foundation, volunteering platform Emarat, and the Sharjah Volunteer Centre also joined the campaign.

Two powerful earthquakes that hit Turkey on Monday were followed by dozens of aftershocks.

The death toll have risen above 11,000 — and is expected to rise further — with many seeing their homes turned to rubble during harsh winter conditions.

Updated: February 09, 2023, 3:37 PM