Canadian charities unite to respond to earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

Toronto, Canada – February 7, 2023 – Following the devastating earthquakes that have struck south-eastern Türkiye and north-west Syria on Monday, February 6, Plan International Canada is deeply concerned for children, particularly girls and their families.

This disaster comes at a time when the people of north-west Syria were already struggling to survive, following years of conflict, economic collapse, a cholera outbreak, and freezing winter conditions. Even before this crisis, many people were displaced multiple times and have had limited access to healthcare. Plan International is extremely concerned about the toll that yet another crisis will take on children, particularly girls and their families.

"As we stand in solidarity with the communities affected by the earthquake, our hearts go out to the people of Türkiye and Syria during this devastating time. The immediate humanitarian needs are enormous, and as a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, we call on all Canadians to show their support by donating generously to aid those affected, especially girls and women who are often the most at risk in times of disaster," says Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO of Plan International Canada.

The situation is evolving, and at the time of publishing this release, Plan International is working urgently to assess the needs of hardest-hit communities in north-west Syria. With our local partners, we are providing immediate lifesaving needs, including food and water, shelter and blankets to keep people warm, while meeting the specific needs of women and girls, including menstrual health kits.

“In the aftermath of earthquakes, children really do need support the most. Their lives have been turned upside down, and they need support to regain a sense of safety and normality while all is chaos around them,” says Dr Unni Krishnan, Global Humanitarian Director of Plan International. “Our experience shows that children, especially girls, women and the poorest families, are often hardest hit in a disaster like an earthquake. Women and children in the disaster-zone will be at risk of exploitation and abuse, should they find themselves once again displaced. The protection and safety of children, particularly girls, must be a top priority.”

The following are members of the Humanitarian Coalition: Action Against Hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World, Humanity & Inclusion, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan International Canada, Save the Children Canada and World Vision Canada.

Canadians can give to Türkiye/Syria earthquake relief at www.together.ca or by calling 1-855-461-2154.

About The Humanitarian Coalition
The Humanitarian Coalition brings together 12 leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during large-scale humanitarian emergencies.

About Plan International Canada
Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries. We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists, and we will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

For more information:

Plan International Canada
PR and Communications
PRteam@plancanada.ca