Syria taps PH Red Cross for earthquake donations
FIFTEEN days after a devastating earthquake hit Turkiye and Syria, claiming the lives of more than 46,000, another big earthquake hit both countries, with Northern Syria bearing the brunt of a 6.5 earthquake last February 20, 2023.
This prompted the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Philippines to call for donations and has officially tapped the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to serve as a collection site to help the earthquake survivors in their country.
Amid this terrible catastrophe, the PRC, through the leadership of its Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, with the PRC’s volunteers and staff, has been designated to receive all contributions for and on behalf of the suffering people of Syria.
The Syrian Embassy has asked local charitable foundations, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), companies, and organizations to direct donations to PRC’s National Headquarters at the Philippine Red Cross Logistics and Multipurpose Center along Apo Street in Mandaluyong City.
Syrian authorities are appealing for in-kind donations of all kinds of medicines, winter blankets, winter clothing, and tents.
“As the devastation continues with yet another big earthquake, we send our thoughts and support to those affected. PRC is in communication with the Honorable Consulate General of the Syrian Arab Republic, and we will be opening our doors to be collection sites for donations to help our Syrian brothers and sisters who are in dire need of help,” said Gordon.
Earlier, PRC was also asked by the Embassy of Turkiye to be the official donation collection point for those who want to extend their help to the quake-hit country.
PRC also sent US$100,000 each to Turkiye and Syria through their respective National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
