From February 9 to March 26 2023, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) organized a total of 39 relief distributions in Türkiye, assisted by 2,040 volunteer shifts. As of March 27, BTCF has provided aid to 1,083 families in Istanbul, 22,944 families in Gaziantep Province, and 12,326 families in Hatay Province, totaling to 36,353 families (173,285 individuals). Relief items included cash value cards for BIM stores, eco-blankets, and eco-scarves made from 100% recycled PET bottles.
BTCF worked in close coordination with the local Turkish government to identify the most vulnerable populations affected by the earthquake. In addition, with the understanding that Syria was also affected by the earthquake, a list of beneficiaries was also developed for refugee camps for Syrians.
Other donations were gathered, packed, and distributed by 11,414 volunteer shifts, shifts includes BTCF volunteers in Taipei who assisted with sorting 401 tons of donated items gathered from the general public donated to the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei. Other donated items included: 30 generators and 4,800 blankets from Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia donated to Türkiye, 426,800 jackets and 50,000 blankets from industrialists in Jordan, 10,000 jackets, hats, and gloves, and 1,120 boots from Tzu Chi Foundation Jordan donated to Syria.
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 128 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, "Tzu" means compassion and "Chi" relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love, and hope. For more information, visit tzuchi.us.
For additional information and media inquiries, please write to Sandy Lu, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation sandz0811@tzuchi.org.tw .
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