BRITISH Columbia is donating $1 million in relief to the Canadian Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts in Turkey and Syria following the recent devastating earthquakes.

“The loss of life and devastation for the people of Türkiye [Turkey] and Syria is incredibly tragic,” said Premier David Eby on Wednesday. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the earthquakes, which have displaced and devastated so many families. These funds, as well as donations from British Columbians, will make a difference in the ongoing response and the recovery efforts as people start rebuilding their lives.”

The Canadian Red Cross launched the Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal to help people affected by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks. Money raised will enable the Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide immediate relief, ongoing recovery efforts and resiliency and preparedness activities in affected and surrounding areas. By providing funding, the Province recognizes that support for people in Turkey and Syria will be needed for the months and years ahead.

“We thank British Columbians for their generous donation, which will help bring relief to people impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria,” said Pat Quealey, Vice President, B.C. and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross. “British Columbia’s contribution will support local Red Crescent teams providing vital aid and emergency relief items that are urgently needed during this humanitarian crisis, such as food, water, and medical supplies, as well as psychosocial support and first aid.”

On February 6, two major earthquakes struck the border regions of Turkey and Syria, resulting in widespread destruction of infrastructure and thousands of fatalities. Another earthquake in southern Turkey on February 20 caused additional deaths and injuries. Thousands more are at risk due to the destruction of infrastructure and freezing temperatures in the affected areas, including a lack of access to food, clean water and medical supplies.

British Columbians who want to donate to the Canadian Red Cross Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal can call 1-800-418-1111, or donate online at: https://www.redcross.ca/

The Province has a long history of providing international humanitarian support, including recent contributions to the Canadian Red Cross for the Ukraine humanitarian crisis, the Pakistan flooding in 2022, and India during the COVID-19 pandemic.