Fundraiser for victims of earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Norfolk residents are being invited to a Fundraising Event for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, to be held at Blackfriars Hall in Norwich on Sunday 19 March.

In partnership with local Turkish and Syrian residents in Norfolk, Norfolk County Council's specialist social work team, the People from Abroad Team, are holding a fundraising event from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday 19 March at Blackfriars Hall. This all-ticket event will feature presentations about the impact of the earthquake on the Turkish and Syrian communities locally and in the earthquake zone.

Tickets cost £25 each, with all proceeds going to charity, and are now available for this event. Purchase tickets for the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal. 

Local Turkish and Syrian restaurants and caterers are providing a buffet meal and there will be a raffle, along with some entertainment, including music from Bilal Alasali, a British-based Syrian singer and entertainer.

With the fundraiser due to be held on Mothering Sunday, the focus will be on the Turkish and Syrian mothers and grandmothers who have been affected by the disaster, as well as all those sadly killed during the earthquakes.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: "The devastation caused by these earthquakes, and the images that have emerged as rescuers have worked tirelessly to save lives, have moved us all. We've seen time and again how generous and supportive the people of Norfolk can be when natural disasters have struck around the world, and I'm certain they will demonstrate that same kindness and compassion towards the people of Turkey and Syria.

"I'd invite everyone who has been moved by the stories coming from Turkey and Syria in the past few weeks to take some time to come down to Blackfriars Hall and support those who are working hard to help those whose lives have been turned upside down by this disaster."

Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council, said: "We were pleased to work closely with the county council on this and provide Blackfriars' Hall free of charge as a venue for this urgent and important fundraiser.

"Norwich has always been a welcoming city and a city of sanctuary and we would urge our residents to support this appeal in any way they can."

This event is a way Norfolk residents can show their support and solidarity for the victims of the earthquake by helping to raise funds which can be given directly to organisations working in Turkey and Syria with survivors of the disaster. Many people with connections to Syria and Turkey have been deeply affected, several have tragically lost friends or loved ones. Funds will be split 50/50 between organisations in Syria and Turkey.

Recipient organisations working on both sides of the border will be the Syrian White Helmets and Anadolu Halk ve Baris Platformu (AHBAP) in Turkey.

Those not able to make the event can still donate to this event at the same link, by choosing to make a donation.

Local businesses and organisations who would like to donate a prize to the raffle should contact the People from Abroad Team by email via nrpf@norfolk.gov.uk.

On 6 February 2023 two earthquakes caused devastation and destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria, a region which had already been significantly affected by 12 years of war in Syria, with many Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey. Subsequent tremors and a third earthquake on 20 February have further impacted the region. The death toll has exceeded 45,000 people and continues to grow.