Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Relief Appeal

Subject: Ongoing Humanitarian Efforts for Earthquake-Affected Regions in Turkiye and Syria

Dear Respected Donors,

Season’s Greetings!

We wish to inform you about a critical humanitarian mission that began in response to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkiye and Syria on February 6th, 2023. This tragic disaster claimed over 60,000 lives and left countless others displaced, injured, and in dire need of support. The Customs Health Care Society (CHCS), recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately took action to provide essential relief to the victims of this devastating earthquake.

 Immediate Response and Relief Efforts

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, CHCS mobilized a dedicated team to visit the hardest-hit areas in Turkiye and Syria. By late February 2023, our team reached the Adiyaman province in Turkiye, where many families were living in makeshift camps, having lost their homes. Our team provided these families with essential relief items such as food, clothing, and medical supplies to ease their suffering.

The initial relief efforts were just the beginning. CHCS has since organized several shipments of critical supplies, including medicines, surgical equipment, and clothing, to support ongoing recovery efforts. During the Holy month of Ramadan, CHCS ensured that hundreds of families affected by the earthquake received nutritious Aftari meals, bringing some comfort during their time of need.

Recognition and Ongoing Support

The efforts of CHCS have not gone unnoticed. His Excellency Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, the Honorable Ambassador of Turkiye, acknowledged the society's work by presenting a certificate of appreciation to our Patron-in-Chief during his visit to the office of the Federal Tax Ombudsman. This recognition reinforces the value of the work CHCS is doing in these affected regions.

In a recent endeavor, CHCS organized a consignment of surgical equipment to be delivered to field hospitals in both Turkiye and Syria. These hospitals are providing critical medical care to those injured during the earthquake. Our continued efforts are vital to addressing the long-term medical needs of the earthquake survivors, many of whom require specialized treatment.

Collaborations and the Need for Continued Support

To date, CHCS has been funding its relief efforts using its own resources, with additional support from the GlobalGiving Foundation, USA. However, the needs in these earthquake-stricken regions remain vast, and more assistance is required to maintain and expand relief activities. We are calling on donors like you to help sustain these life-saving efforts as the recovery process continues.

 Achievements and On-the-Ground Action

A seven-member CHCS team, led by Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, including four medical professionals, made a crucial two-day visit to the earthquake-affected camps in the Adiyaman region. On February 22nd, 2023, the team arrived in Istanbul and organized a 60-foot container loaded with 1,000 ration boxes. These boxes were later distributed to those most in need.

The following day, the team traveled to Adiyaman, where they met with local officials, including the Mayor, to deliver the container and assess the situation. They spent time in camps established by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), distributing ration boxes, warm clothing, shawls, and even sweets for the children, aiming to bring a sense of comfort and normalcy amid the ongoing hardship.

Beyond simply distributing supplies, CHCS’s presence on the ground was about empathy—sharing in the grief, sorrow, and pain of those who had lost their homes and loved ones. Our work there brought not just material relief but emotional support to the survivors, showing them that they were not alone in their struggle.

In addition, CHCS has sent medical supplies worth two million rupees through the Turkish Consulate General in Lahore. Further supporting these efforts, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, in his capacity as the Honorable Federal Tax Ombudsman, presented a cheque of one million rupees to the Honorable Ambassador of Turkiye to fund additional relief operations.

Call for Donations

We urgently appeal to our donors from across the globe to support our ongoing relief work in Turkiye and Syria. The aftermath of this disaster continues to affect millions of people, and your generous donations will help CHCS provide essential relief items, medical care, and support to those struggling to rebuild their lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the recovery and resilience of these communities.

Conclusion

The Customs Health Care Society (CHCS) remains fully committed to helping the people of Turkiye and Syria recover from this devastating earthquake. With your compassion and generosity, we can continue to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this tragedy. Together, we can provide hope, comfort, and the support needed to rebuild shattered lives.

Thank you for standing with us in this crucial humanitarian mission.

Warm regards,

Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah

Customs Health Care Society