TPF Wildfire Relief Fund

Dear TPF Donors,

Thank you for your generous support of the TPF Wildfire Relief Fund. Because of your compassion and trust, we were able to stand beside communities, first responders, and young volunteers during one of the most severe wildfire seasons Türkiye has faced. We are writing to share the impact you made possible through the two grants distributed from the Fund.

With your help, TPF provided more than $19,000 in grants to two partner organizations responding directly in the field. Together, these grants supported emergency response, volunteer deployment, coordination efforts, and early recovery work in Izmir and Hatay.

Your contribution enabled us to support the Fire Zone Support Project  with a $17,225 grant, implemented by the Basic Needs Association (TIDER). Through this project, more than 1,000 people benefited from urgently needed equipment, medical supplies, and protective materials used by search-and-rescue teams, firefighters, and volunteer squads. Your support also made it possible to cover transportation and logistical needs as teams moved rapidly across expanding fire zones.

Because the fires grew in severity and new hotspots emerged, uninterrupted logistics became essential. With your support, a humanitarian aid warehouse was established in Güzelbahçe, Izmir, hosted by YÖM Schools. This warehouse became the central hub for storing, sorting, and distributing critical materials to the field. Volunteer coordination was carried out with the support of TOG, and four teams worked in shifts to keep operations running smoothly throughout July.

Your generosity also touched the rebuilding process. Through the “Bir Destek Bir Yuva” initiative, 500 beehives were delivered to families in Seferihisar and Çesme, supporting both early recovery and the restoration of regional ecosystems and livelihoods. These efforts helped prevent further escalation of the fires, protected agricultural lands, and contributed to the long-term well-being of affected communities and local biodiversity.

Your support further strengthened disaster response capacity among young volunteers through a second grant in the amount of $1,987.45, made to the Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG). This grant funded the Field Preparation for Youth Volunteers for Emergency and Disaster Response initiative and directly supported 130 young volunteers (65 women and 65 men, ages 18–25).

Because of you, these young volunteers received the supplies they needed—such as vests, hats, field materials, and safety items—to serve effectively and safely in wildfire zones. The grant also covered their travel, food, and accommodation, enabling them to deploy from cities across Türkiye to Izmir.

These volunteers played an essential role in operating the humanitarian aid warehouse, conducting needs assessments, supporting field coordination, and visiting villages affected by the fires, including Seferihisar, Çesme, and Ödemis. With the help of this grant, they were also able to distribute psychosocial support kits for children and hygiene kits for women in Köseler Village and carry out supportive activities with children who had experienced trauma.

In addition, volunteers received orientation and training on ethics in disaster zones, psychological first aid, secondary trauma, humanitarian aid standards, and self-care. This investment in young people strengthens not only today’s disaster response efforts but also the long-term capacity of future volunteers and leaders.

Your generosity allowed us to protect lives, support volunteers, preserve natural habitats, and help families begin rebuilding. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in TPF and for being part of a community that shows up when it matters most.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Team TPF