Morocco

Immediate and urgent earthquake relief on the ground in Morocco

When the world stood still. On September 8th, 2023, a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Al Haouz Province, devastating rural areas of the Atlas Mountains. It was the country’s deadliest earthquake since 1960 – claiming nearly 3,000 lives and affecting more than 300,000 people.

People for People responded by mobilising within 48 hours, teaming up with Sheltersuit Foundation and Winning Wheels (Netherlands & Morocco). Together, we packed and shipped over 37,000 relief supplies – from sleeping bags and thermal clothing to flashlights and hygiene kits – reaching remote villages like Anerni and Ouawdid within a week of the disaster.

Relief powered by People and partnerships

From logistics hubs in Amsterdam to mountain villages in Morocco, we collaborated with local NGOs, companies, and volunteers to ensure life-saving aid reached those who needed it most. Our teams also brought joy and care – organising games and moments of connection for children who had lost homes, family, and a sense of normalcy.

Quote
Marcella Simons - People for People
Marcella Simons Director People for People
“We knew winter was coming fast. In just days, we built a bridge between companies like Action and communities still waiting for help. That meant turning services, infrastructure, and donations into direct relief – reaching people in places no one else had yet.”
Results

Relief in action, delivered in just a week

37,000+ emergency items

Shipped in 9 trucks. In just two weeks, our teams together with Deloitte, bunq, Picnic and Bird assembled and dispatched nine trucks filled with sleeping bags, generators, tents, heaters, flashlights, hygiene kits, food parcels, and thermal clothing.

48 hours to mobilise local insight

By working with local partners like Moustaqbel, Winning Wheels Morocco, Fuel Relief Fund, and others, we quickly mapped urgent needs and reached villages that had received no aid. We continued monitoring these needs, coordinating with businesses to source specific items, and ensuring timely transport through our local partners.

On-the-ground support

Within days, our first truck was on its way to Morocco. In the first week, emergency items were distributed by our local partner to affected villages. By week three, teams from People for People and Sheltersuit joined Winning Wheels on the ground to deliver aid in remote communities like Anerni and Ouawdid – many of which had received no help at all, reaching families before the onset of snow.

Here’s how you can help

When earthquakes strike, speed and coordination save lives. Businesses play a critical role in helping us act fast by contributing emergency supplies, logistics services, and on-the-ground expertise.

  • Donate essential items like tents, warm clothing, hygiene kits, and portable heating
  • Offer logistics support: from the Netherlands or internationally – from trucks, to storage, warehousing, and cross-border coordination
  • Provide skilled services such as communications, distribution, or field operations
  • Local NGO networks: if you’re already active internationally, let’s bundle our strengths and work together.

Your services, materials, and know-how help us reach people faster – with exactly what’s needed, when it matters most.

Contact
Morocco
Morocco
shape left
Shape right

Ready to make a difference with your team?

Become part of our growing collective of 50+ companies making an impact. Contribute what you’re good at — whether it’s supplies, services, expertise or funding.
Join as business