78,000+ relief items
Across Turkey and Syria, we distributed over 78,000 essential supplies – including sleeping bags, heaters, hygiene products, diapers, food, shelterbags, and Sheltersuits – to families in urgent need.
Turkey
Emergency earthquake relief in Turkey & Syria (2023)
In February 2023, a devastating series of earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, destroying homes and displacing millions. Within days, People for People mobilised teams, partners, and resources to reach communities in urgent need – especially in hard-to-access villages where aid was slow to arrive.
Working with research teams and local contacts, we rapidly identified priority needs and set up a local distribution network in three severely affected villages. By acting independently and in close collaboration with grassroots initiatives, we ensured that relief matched what people truly needed and where they needed it most. Through five large-scale truck distributions, we delivered over 78,000 essential relief items – from hygiene products to shelter materials – to communities across Turkey and Syria.
Fast, needs-driven action where it matters most
In Turkey, our fourth truck reached families in Nizip, Öksüzlü Köyü, and Sivricehüyük Köyü, delivering sleeping bags, heaters, shoes, diapers, shelterbags, and Sheltersuits. Our team – Leander Potze and Paul Zurink from the Sheltersuit Foundation – led the on-the-ground distribution, sharing meals, stories, and moments of connection with affected families.
One unforgettable highlight: the birthday celebration of an orphaned 3-year-old boy whose joy, despite the hardship around him, reminded us of the deep human spirit and the power of community.
Results
Delivering warmth, supplies, and solidarity across borders
5 trucks mobilised
We dispatched five fully loaded trucks, reaching remote communities in Nizip, Öksüzlü Köyü, and Sivricehüyük Köyü in Turkey, as well as vulnerable populations in Syria.
11+ local and international partners
Our rapid response was made possible through the support of over seven committed partners – including bunq, Action, Bever, DNG Retail, Picnic, Crisp, HRIF, and the Sheltersuit Foundation – who provided funding, in-kind donations, and field support.
Here’s how you can help
Earthquakes strike without warning – but collective preparedness saves lives. Your business can help us act fast by contributing emergency supplies, logistics support, or essential services. We work with partners to pre-position shelter materials, hygiene kits, and solar lights, and to mobilise trucks, storage, and distribution in crisis zones.
- Donate essential supplies like sleeping bags, shelter materials, hygiene kits, and lighting
- Offer logistics and storage – from warehousing to trucking and cross-border transport
- Provide technical services like communications tools, emergency packaging, or field equipment
Every service and supply helps us reach people faster, with exactly what they need – when they need it most.
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Farah
Global Crisis Response Manager - People for People
