On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey, destroying the country and neighbouring Syria.
Now, more than a week after the earthquake, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has surpassed 35,000 and is still rising.
Furthermore, 17 million people are in urgent need of shelter, food and medical care.
The Disasters Emergency Committee has brought together 15 leading UK charities, six of which are active in Scotland, to swiftly raise funds.
The appeal raised £32.9 million in its first 24 hours.
MSP for Stirling, Evelyn Tweed, said: “I would encourage anyone who is able to donate to the DEC appeal.”
“The DEC work with local partners and can use funds effectively to provide relief.
“I want to thank those across Stirling who have donated to the appeal so far and encourage others to do likewise.”
A local dessert shop in Stirling, My Dessert House, has put out an appeal to aid those affected.
The shop is working with ATAS, a charity made up of Turkish students and alumni in Scotland.
The owner of the shop, Hasan Kavak, was approached by the organisation while they were seeking help to set up a local donation point.
Volunteers have been working around the clock to organise the incoming donations of clothes, nappies, sanitary pads and canned foods and delivering them to areas affected.
The shop is now currently at capacity for all donations.
Hasan said, “We were told to stop [accepting donations] because there were five to six tonnes of products waiting to go to Turkey in depots.”
“We are so grateful for everybody in Scotland. It has been so nice to see people help.”
Instead, they are now asking people to make a cash donation to ATAS, where the money will go towards rebuilding the homes lost.
Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee online here, by phone on 0370 60 60 610 or text SUPPORT to 70787 to donate £10.
Donations can be made to ATAS via the My Dessert House Facebook page, using the QR code.
Featured Image Credit: My Dessert House
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