16 countries launch Syria aid campaign

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Officials launch the international brach of the Syria aid campaign in Istanbul. AA photo

The international branch of the aid campaign to Syrians called “Kış Geldi, Suriye İçin Bir Ekmek, Bir Battaniye” (Winter Comes, Bread and a Blanket for Syria) was launched today with simultaneous press conferences in 16 countries.

The campaign’s international chapter, first launched by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, the Turkish Red Crescent and many NGOs with the aim of helping the deprived people in Syria, began at the headquarters of the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD).

Several foundations and institutions from countries such as Bosnia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Macedonia, Kuwait, Morocco, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Turkish Cyprus, the United States, Bahrain, Algeria and Belgium simultaneously announced that they, alongside Turkey, began mobilizing to transport bread and blankets to the Syrian people.

The campaign aims to extend a helping hand to the thousands of people who live amid ongoing violence in Syria and also to refugees who have taken shelter in neighboring countries. Turkey first started the campaign in December 2012 with the support of the Prime Ministry, and many people across Turkey participated in various activities to lend a hand to the Syrian people following Friday prayers.

As part of the campaign, the Turkish Red Crescent announced that it will send 625 tons of flour to Syrians. Almost 25 trucks were set to depart from Gaziantep today to Syria. The Turkish Red Crescent previously sent 35 thousand tons of flour to Syria, which faces a severe shortage of food and shelter.