Amazon commits $600,000, tech support to Syria, Turkey earthquake relief efforts
Amazon has activated disaster relief services to help organizations responding to the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The company has nearly 2,000 workers in Turkey and no facilities in the impacted areas.
The online giant announced an initial commitment of $600,000 in total cash donations to non-governmental organizations providing critical support in the affected areas. The organizations include Red Crescent of Türkiye, AKUT (Search and Rescue Association), the AHBAP foundation, Emirates Red Crescent, World Food Program, Save the Children and UNICEF.
Amazon’s commitment is in addition to the product donations and logistics support that the company is providing in the region. The first two truckloads of Amazon’s donated relief items departed the company’s fulfillment center in Istanbul on Tuesday, February 7, followed by additional trucks over the next few days.
Amazon is also providing technology support to organizations responding to the tragedy. The Amazon Web Services Disaster Preparedness and Response team is providing trained technical volunteers and technical solutions to Help.NGO, a United Nations standby partner assisting in the region.
In addition, the company is helping customers contribute directly to organizations supporting earthquake relief. Customers in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates can now visit their local sites and donate to organizations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Officials say the death toll has climbed above 20,000, and cold weather now covers Turkey and Syria. Amazon has shipped donated blankets, tents, heaters, food, diapers, baby food, medicine, and other emergency items, and Amazon’s Disaster Relief team continues to field requests for winter survival equipment, clothing, hygiene products, and other items.
IKEA
The Ikea Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Sweden-based furniture retailer,
is also helping earthquake relief efforts, sending a donation of €10 million (about $10.7 million) to support Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international, independent medical humanitarian organization working in more than 70 countries.
The Ikea Foundation is also speaking with other partners who are operating in the region, coordinating with Turkish authorities to understand further needs and opportunities to provide additional assistance. This includes discussions with Better Shelter, looking at ways to provide temporary housing units in Turkey.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those who are affected,” said Per Heggenes, CEO of the Ikea Foundation. “I call on the world’s governments, businesses, and philanthropies to join us in the relief support for Türkiye and northern Syria.”