Donated items go from Sydney to Turkey quake zone

The Australian branch of SmartAID – an Israeli-based humanitarian charity specialising in providing high-tech equipment – donated 19 pallets of essential supplies that were flown to the earthquake disaster zone in Turkey last week, for free, by DHL.

The pallets include medical supplies donated by MedEarth, for use in a hospital in Hatay.

They also contain solar-powered lights, head lights, tents, sleeping bags – and baby clothes via Cuddle Bundle – that will be going in a temporary accommodation site in Adeyaman, made of shipping containers, that will house 1,500 earthquake survivors.

SmartAID has a team who have been there since the February 6 earthquake, which has so far killed more than 45,000 people.

Thanking donors, SmartAID Australia co-ordinator Alethea Gold said the Turkish consulate-general in Sydney, Ali Sevim, recently visited a warehouse where the pallets were packed and stored.

“He even helped pack for a bit, and is beyond grateful for the support being provided for the people of Turkey,” Gold said.

To donate to SmartAID’s Turkey earthquake appeal, visit https://smartaid.org, click on ‘donate’, and then choose ‘donate from Australia’.