Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Relief Appeal

Respected Donors,

Seasons Greetings...!

We would like to inform you about a crucial humanitarian effort that began in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Turkiye and Syria on February 6th, 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of over 60,000 lives. In the aftermath of this disaster, the Customs Health Care Society (CHCS) swiftly mobilized to provide urgent relief to the affected populations.

Immediate Response and Relief Efforts

In late February 2023, a team from CHCS visited the earthquake-affected areas in Turkiye and Syria. They provided essential relief to the affected families who had set up makeshift camps in the province of Adiyaman, Turkiye. This initial response included distributing vital relief items to alleviate the immediate suffering of the victims.

Following this initial response, CHCS continued its relief efforts with ongoing shipments of relief goods, including medicines, surgical supplies, and clothing. During the Holy month of Ramadan, CHCS organized Aftari meals for hundreds of families, ensuring they had access to nutritious food during this challenging time.

Recognition and Support

The relief efforts of CHCS have been recognized and appreciated widely. His Excellency Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, the Honorable Ambassador of Turkiye, acknowledged CHCS's efforts by presenting a certificate of appreciation to the patron-in-chief of CHCS during a visit to the office of the Federal Tax Ombudsman.

Recently, CHCS has arranged for a consignment of surgical equipment to be sent to field hospitals established to provide medical care to earthquake-affected individuals in Syria and Turkiye. This ongoing support is critical in addressing the medical needs of those affected by the earthquake.

Collaboration and Support Needed

CHCS has been providing relief goods to earthquake-affected individuals in Turkiye and Syria using its own resources and in collaboration with the GlobalGiving Foundation, USA. However, the need is ongoing and significant.

Achievements

A team comprising 7 members from the Customs Health Care Society, led by Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah and including 4 doctors, dedicated two days to visit the camps housing earthquake victims in the Adiyaman region. The team's journey began with their arrival in Istanbul on February 22nd, 2023, where they swiftly organized a 60-foot container stocked with 1000 ration boxes, intended for distribution among those affected by the earthquake.

On February 23rd, the team traveled to Adiyaman, where they met with the Mayor to deliver the container of ration boxes. During this visit, CHCS conducted assessments to determine the ongoing needs of the affected communities and to strategize for further relief efforts.

The subsequent day, the team visited camps established by AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) to shelter the earthquake victims. Here, they distributed not only ration boxes but also shawls, warm clothing, and sweets for the children, aiming to bring some comfort to those enduring hardship.

CHCS's presence was not only about providing essential supplies but also about sharing in the sorrow and pain of those who had lost loved ones and were facing the challenges of displacement and homelessness.

In addition to these efforts, CHCS has already dispatched medicines worth two million rupees, facilitated by the Turkish Consulate General in Lahore. Furthermore, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, in his role as the Honorable Federal Tax Ombudsman, presented a cheque of one million rupees to support ongoing relief activities to the Honorable Ambassador of Turkiye in Islamabad

Call for Donations

We kindly request donors from across the globe to support CHCS in its efforts to provide further relief and medical assistance to the earthquake-affected individuals in Turkiye and Syria. Your generous donations will enable us to continue providing essential relief items and medical care to those who have been devastated by this disaster.

Conclusion

The Customs Health Care Society (CHCS) is committed to supporting and providing relief to the earthquake-affected populations of Turkiye and Syria. Your support will make a significant difference in helping us alleviate the suffering and rebuild the lives of those affected by this tragic event.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Sincerely,

Regards, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah