Verified Charities for Earthquake Relief
In times like these, Cash is King
Those with ties to the region, or anyone with an ounce of humanity, have likely come across the devastation caused by the strongest earthquake to hit Turkey in nearly a century. The 7.8 magnitude quake also impacted parts of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.
The images are absolutely gut-wrenching, with scenes resembling a war-torn, apocalyptic hellscape. Rows of concrete buildings collapsed, and tens of thousands were immediately trapped in the rubble. While some escaped, or have been rescued, others were far less fortunate.
The death toll has surpassed 33,000 and is expected to climb further.
Almost immediately, neighboring countries went to work. Japan, Malaysia, and Korea dispatched disaster teams, and India sent in an emergency task force, as did Sudan; even war-torn Ukraine stepped in to help. Recently, Qatar announced plans to ship 10,000 mobile homes to Turkey and Syria.
Monetary donations are also making their way to the region from around the world. Professional footballers Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi recently made headlines with donations. The largest single donation thus far — $30 Million — was given by an anonymous Pakistani businessman residing in America.
What hasn’t garnered headlines are the individual efforts across the globe. Donations of clothing, medical supplies, and money from ordinary, working-class people.
Aid groups the world over have also stepped up fundraising efforts for those impacted. Organizations including CARE, Doctors Without Borders, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent are on the ground, providing much need aid and assistance.
Forbes staffer Natalie Campisi published a list of the highest-rated charities on Charity Navigator for Turkey and Syria earthquake relief efforts:
- Syrian American Medical Society Foundation (100% rating)
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy (100% rating)
- Plan International Inc. (100% rating)
- Direct Relief (100% rating)
Disasters can unite the globe and bring out the best in humanity, they can also bring out the worst. Scrupulous individuals will likely take advantage of pain and suffering, pocketing funds intended for disaster victims.
Be mindful of crowdfunding campaigns, especially those belonging to unknown or unverified individuals and organizations. Someone you know or follow on social media may have a great track record for this type of work, or they may be taking advantage of a desperate situation — Trust but verify.
Your best option is an established, reputable organization, with a solid track record in the region.
You can also verify organizations through the charity navigator.