Turkey–Syria earthquake: Co-op pledges £100,000 donation in support

Co-op is set to make a £100,000 donation in support of those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The contribution will be made to the convenience retailers partners, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help kickstart its support of the appeal.

The DEC are experts in humanitarian response, having infrastructure, experience and personnel on the ground to ensure the funds raised, including Co-op’s donation, reaches those most in need.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Co-op’s Director of Community and Member Participation said: “We’re deeply saddened by the scenes in the aftermath of the earthquake. People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days.

“We know our members and customers will want to help and we’re proud to be coming together with other co-operative societies and the wider Co-op movement, as well as our Nisa colleagues to collectively support this appeal.”

Co-op’s announcement comes amid a slew of similar pledges by other retailers.

Aldi revealed in a LinkedIn post that it would be making a donation to the Red Cross.

It said: “The Aldi South Group are donating €500,000 [£444,370] to the Red Cross to assist their disaster relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. We are monitoring developments in both countries and working to help individuals, families and communities affected. Our thoughts are with those affected.”

Supermarket giant Asda has confirmed it will donate £100,000 to Unicef to help support their efforts to provide aid to victims of the devastating earthquakes.

The retailer said that George at Asda has ”also been in close contact with its suppliers in the region, who are providing shelter and clothing to families who have lost their homes”. The George Office in Turkey is also providing donations of warm clothing to those in need.

Frozen food chain Iceland has pledged to donate £50,000 to the relief effort. Managing director Richard Walker said: “We felt compelled to help by offering a donation in support.”

Marks & Spencer tweeted from its M&S News account that the company had donated money and sent over 5,000 thermal items to the region.

It said: “We’ve made an immediate £50,000 donation to the British Red Cross, which is undertaking critical work on the ground and separately, have sent thermals to the region to be distributed by our local franchise partner.”

The donation is part of The Sun’s earthquake appeal, where all the money will be donated to the British Red Cross.