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PWRDF supporting ACT Alliance response to earthquake, accepting donations

People are digging through rubble to rescue survivors of a February 6 earthquake. (Photo: GOPA-DERD)

February 7, 2023

By Janice Biehn

In the early morning of February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake happened near the Turkish/Syrian border. More than 5,000 people were killed and thousands more injured, trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue and recovery work is continuing.

The ACT Alliance has many members working in the area who have been responding to humanitarian needs. “As the scale of the disaster continues to be discovered, ACT members are checking in with their own staff teams, conducting rapid needs assessments, and already working to provide life-saving supplies to impacted people,” says the ACT Alliance. 

PWRDF will immediately allocate $35,000 to the ACT Alliance to support its members working in the area. PWRDF is also accepting funds to support this appeal.

ACT member the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East-Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (GOPA-DERD) is providing food, blankets, mattresses and medical aid in affected communities in Aleppo, Hama and Latakia.

ACT member the Middle East Council of Churches states “all the Churches in the Middle East have put their resources at the disposal of the affected and displaced people due to the earthquake, since the first moments of the disaster… The Churches in the Middle East, which always supports their people, will spare no effort in doing all they can to relieve their pain and lead them towards prosperity and progress.” Plans are underway from other ACT members to supply winterization materials, ambulances, and other needed supplies as the extent of the need is known. 

How you can help

Please keep the people affected by this devastating earthquake in your prayers. Donations can be made to support PWRDF’s response online, or over the phone by calling 416-822-9083 (or leave a message toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and we will return your call.) You can also donate by mail. Send your cheque to PWRDF, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 3G2. Please indicate Syrian Earthquake in the memo field.

– with files from ACT Alliance

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For media requests, please email Communications and Marketing Coordinator Janice Biehn at [email protected].

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