Giving Tuesday encourages people worldwide to take action for causes close to their hearts and give back. Today, as the year that has deeply affected us all nears its end, we’re asking for your support to make a lasting impact.
The earthquakes that struck Türkiye on February 6th called for immediate action and unity. In response, we initiated the Kahramanmaras Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’ve so far supported 83 impactful projects with over £2,9 million. The efforts of our grantees extended beyond immediate relief to ensure the well-being of vulnerable groups, support education, restore livelihoods, and rebuild the affected regions.
Meet one of our grantees: Lotus Women’s Solidarity and Life Association
Following the disaster, Lotus Women’s Association quickly mobilised, reaching the Pazarcik district of Kahramanmaras, the epicentre of the earthquakes.
Through our continued grant support, the association expanded its outreach, impacting the lives of over 4,000 survivors across 8 temporary shelter areas in Kahramanmaras, Adiyaman, and Hatay.
Initially providing essentials like food, clothing for women, men, and children of all sizes, and vital items such as underwear, socks, and shoes to approximately 1,000 survivors, the association’s efforts extended further. In Adiyaman, they facilitated food supplies to a community kitchen, ensuring two hot meals daily for an additional two months, serving 1,000 people.
Urgently addressing hygiene needs, they distributed shopping cards and hygiene kits, specifically catering to the needs of new mothers, babies, and older people across the three provinces.
The association prioritised the mental and emotional well-being of survivors, offering psychological first-aid, counselling, and group activities. They established safe spaces and held regular workshops for children, allowing them to have a sense of stability and opportunity for interaction and play.
Movie nights were organised in Kahramanmaras and Adiyaman, reaching 300 people and libraries were established in four temporary shelter areas, helping survivors cope with post-disaster stress.
The association organised 12 workshops engaging over 250 women, fostering community-building, shared experiences, and group activities. To support this initiative, four shaded communal spaces were established within temporary shelters.
Collaborating with volunteer architects from All Hands and Hearts Association, a larger wooden structure was built in one of Adiyaman’s temporary shelter areas, cultivating a supportive community environment.
While art workshops served as a platform for participants to express and manage their emotions, sewing and knitting workshops led by expert instructors enabled women to produce items they needed and engage in long-term production. The association provided materials for six months to facilitate production for this purpose.
Furthermore, the association contributed an oven, stove, and refrigerator to support the community kitchen initiative of the Hatay Rimmen Women’s Cooperative. This cooperative, recently formed by women who met through volunteering and workshops, aims to provide job opportunities for local women across various fields.
Lotus Women’s Association is just one of the many recipients of our grants. Through your donations, we’ve supported 83 initiatives led by local organisations, directly aiding those in need in various ways, and addressing diverse needs comprehensively.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact. With your continued contributions, we can aid civil society’s efforts to rebuild hope and support communities in Türkiye. Remember, your donations will pave the way for us to partner with more organisations in 2024.
Please also share this message with friends and family who share the desire to make a meaningful impact. We are grateful for your generous support.
Turkey Mozaik Foundation
