Following a meeting of Hackney Refugee Forum on 16 February, attended by representatives of local Turkish, Kurdish and refugee community organisations, Hackney Giving launched this fundraising appeal to support local Turkish, Kurdish and Syrian residents affected by the recent earthquake.

Taylan Sahbaz from the Day-Mer Turkish and Kurdish community centre comments, "As you know, most members of London's migrant Turkish and Kurdish communities have direct links with the region where the earthquake took place. There is very little number of people who are not directly impacted."

Ibrahim Avcil from the Refugee Workers Cultural Association continues: "There is a great need here in our local areas for people who have lost their loved ones, relatives, friends in the earthquake. Those who have been providing a support to the aid efforts are also mentally worn out together with their children."

Hackney Giving's Development and Programme Manager, Sarah Watson, explains, "Hackney Giving is the local giving scheme for Hackney and the City of London. We raise donations from individuals and businesses and channel the funds out to local not-for-profit community groups at times of need. We know that local Turkish, Kurdish and Syrian residents are deeply affected by what has happened and we want to be in a position to help."

Hackney Giving will pool the donations to the appeal to make grants to local Turkish, Kurdish and refugee not-for-profit community organisations so that they can support their communities. Donations will be used to provide wellbeing and bereavement support for children, young people and adults. Donations will also be used to help residents financially impacted by the earthquake.

Watson continues, "The cost of living crisis has already made things hard for many people. For our local Turkish, Kurdish and Syrian residents, the earthquake has made things even harder. So, in addition to wellbeing support, monies donated to the appeal will be used to pay for parcels of food and other necessities, which will be delivered to residents at home, and to provide hot meals in community centres for local older residents. The fund will also offer support to people struggling with fuel and utility bills."

Watson continues: "We've set an initial target of £10k, with 100% of donations going directly to the cause. We are grateful to NAVCA, the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action for their support, totalling £4,400. We aim to raise another £6,600 to reach the fundraising target. Please donate what you can - every pound will make a difference. Thank you."