From the Advent FOUR GIFTS collection we have set aside EUR 1,000 from the humanitarian-aid portion that will go to support the community of Salesian brothers in Syria.
On the night of 5 to 6 February 2023 a devastating earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Turkey. The epicentre of the earthquake was Kahramanmaraş in southern Turkey, near the north-western border with Syria. It was followed by a large number of aftershocks and another strong earthquake measuring 7.5.
In the Syrian city of Aleppo, hundreds of buildings collapsed and the death toll across both countries is now estimated at more than 5,000, with the number likely to grow as thousands of people remain trapped under the rubble. The whole situation is being made more difficult by low temperatures and windy weather. It is estimated that 4.1 million people in north-eastern Syria are at risk.
The Salesian centre in Aleppo suffered only limited damage in the form of cracks and some broken windows. The Syrian Ministry of Health is reporting 42 deaths and more than 200 injured in the city of Aleppo. “The earthquake was felt very strongly and for a long time,” explains the Salesian Alejandro León, Provincial of the Salesians of the Middle East, who was in Kafroun (western Syria) and travelling to Damascus that day.
The Salesians and the people they serve are safe. As soon as the strong tremors began, some families left their homes and went to the Salesian centre in the city of Aleppo, where they sought help and shelter. They were welcomed there and given warm clothing, food and emotional support. Since early this morning, more than 300 people have been staying at the centre: their homes were heavily damaged by 12 years of war and they feel safer on the Salesians’ premises. We got in touch with the Salesians in Syria immediately, thanks also to our cooperation on the project Building the skills of vulnerable groups of the population in Syria for the labour market.
The Salesians and their centre in Aleppo will become a temporary refuge in the coming hours and days for many people who cannot return home because of the devastating consequences of the earthquake. The Salesians of Don Bosco in Syria are also turning to us with a plea for prayers and financial help. The costs associated with caring for the people arriving will grow, as they are striving to help as many people and families as possible.
The Salesians at the Aleppo centre are currently funding the purchase of food, hygiene supplies, blankets and pillows for 300 people. In addition, they need to repair minor damage to the building. For 150 families they are preparing vouchers for the purchase of food, medication and hygiene supplies, and for gas and energy bills. The expenses also include the salaries of the people helping out as administrative staff, cooks and psychologists.
The Salesian communities in the cities of Kafroun and Damascus are also preparing to help people who will be seeking shelter at their centres. They therefore need to fund the purchase of food for approximately 350 people.
Join us too and support the activities that help people affected by the earthquake in Syria:
• by a deposit or transfer of a financial gift directly to the account number:
IBAN: SK5511000000002626853119
Variable symbol: 043045
• via the payment portal darujme.sk
• QR code
We would like to thank you for your gift, so please include your e-mail address in the message to the recipient.
• YourCauseGlobal Good Network
SAVIO o.z., NPP-12820573, DESIGNATION: Syria
Thank you to all donors!
