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Donations sought for Turkish quake survivors

Fairfax County first responders on Virginia Task Force 1 in Türkiye. [FCFRD]

The Northern Virginia Regional Commission launched a fundraising effort to provide food packages to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye.

More than 30,000 people have died and millions have been displaced due to the damage caused by the earthquakes and aftershocks.

The regional commission set a fundraising goal of $25,000. Donations can be made here.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay joined with leaders of other Northern Virginia jurisdictions and organizations at the March 3 fundraising announcement.

“Our hearts broke to hear the news of such a profound loss of life in Türkiye following multiple earthquakes,” McKay said. “But I’m proud to be a part of a community that rallies together to help those in need both regionally and internationally.”

“As we arrived in Türkiye, it was clear that the devastation that we encountered was just a fraction of what we were going to see,” said Lt. Andrew Johnson of Virginia Task Force 1, the international urban search and rescue team sponsored by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.  

The team conducted site assessments to determine the needs for rescue operations and completed structural and damage assessments to help identify buildings that were likely unsafe to occupy.

“The warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people were greatly appreciated and, thankfully, we were able to successfully help those in need. If you are able to donate, please do so,” Johnson said.

The biggest need right now is shelter and food. A contribution of $45 helps purchase a 30-pound package of food that will be distributed to survivors.

5 responses to “Donations sought for Turkish quake survivors

  1. Meh… only if anything purchased w Donation has a big fat label saying “donated by US Citizens. Not Chinese citizens. Not Russian citizens. Not Indian citizens (ha!), Not Iranians… Just regular average Americans who give a sh-t about other people.

  2. Not sure what’s stranger about this comment. The fact that you think only Americans donate to people in need or the fact that you only donate if you get credit for it.

  3. This is a good campaign, a show of solidarity from one community to another. I hope we meet or exceed the $25,000 goal, quickly.

  4. Sorry to agree … a simple google search shows that US citizens, even adjusted for level of development, cost of living etc. are more charitable by every measure than all other nations combined.

  5. It would also be nice if we could loan building inspectors and enforcers to ensure new construction is up to code and earthquake resistant. Apparently shoddy construction and a lack of enforcement and inspections added to the tragedy. This might provide a counterbalance to any corrupt officials that led to rampant violations.

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