North Devon communities rally to help earthquake appeal

North Devon communities rally to help earthquake appeal

More than £2,500 has been raised so far to help those affected by the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria in February leaving more than 40,000 dead and many missing.

The Turkish owners of Fred’s Charcoal Grill in South Street, South Molton, Derya and Senol Aslan, set up a donation box at their takeaway and launched an online appeal. They raised in excess of £1,200 in just over a week, with the money going direct to the charity Kizilay, the Turkish Red Crescent, which supplies shelters, blankets and aid to earthquake-hit areas.

More than £700 was raised by the Rotary Club of South Molton with a collection day at the Pannier Market on February 11th (pictured right). Lyn and Dave Winter volunteered to run the stall and said people were “incredibly generous and lovely”.

Meanwhile a quiz night in West Buckland raised a further £632. The organisers said, “It’s truly amazing for such a small community. A huge thank you to all those who supported the quiz and to those who made donations.”

The Charities Together shop in Chulmleigh ran a fundraising appeal from February 20th, culminating in a coffee morning at the Town Hall on February 25th. Donations can also be made to the British Red Cross - DEC: dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal

Turkish businessman Senol Aslan with Lyn Winter, Rotary Club of South Molton - photo by Derya Aslan