HONG KONG (SE/CNS): Caritas-Hong Kong has responded to Caritas Internationalis’ appeal for generous donations to help the victims of two powerful earthquakes that struck Syria and Turkey on February 6, resulting in over 38,000 deaths as of February 17, according to the BBC, and injuring thousands more.
“We hope that this appeal will receive a positive response from all of you, and that you will show the spirit of mutual help and love for people over the world. On behalf of the victims of the disaster in the two countries, I would like to thank you all for your love and care,” Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, chief executive of Caritas Hong Kong, said.
According to the website of Caritas Internationalis, Caritas Turkey and Caritas Syria provided assistance immediately after the disaster hit. The humanitarian situation is difficult and operations are further complicated by the harsh winter and the destruction or severe damage to buildings, including hospitals and roads. It is asking for donations of winter clothing, especially for babies and young children.
CNS reported that, in an interview with L’Osservatore Romano, Bishop Paolo Bizzeti of Anatolia said that the earthquake was “the tragedy of tragedies” because the region was already “full of refugees from various countries who had fled a terrible situation.”
While aid is being sent through Caritas Turkey “it is difficult to receive the aid necessary given the state of the roads,” the bishop explained, adding that it had to be “spaced out” to ensure it lasts the duration of the relief effort.
Aid to the Church in Need is supporting reparations projects in Aleppo, Syria, to help people to return to their homes. The charity said an estimated 7,500 people were sleeping in churches, convents and other places on the night of February 7. The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States has also set up a fund to support Catholic dioceses and partner organisations in Turkey and Syria.
Jesuit Father Tony O’Riordan arrived in Aleppo, Syria, on February 7 to lead the Jesuit Refugee Service response to the crisis, CNS reported. He said JRS’ priority is reopening its health clinic in Aleppo and helping people deal with the cold. The Jesuits also opened their building in Aziziyé to host people without shelter.
Donations can be made through the Caritas website at https://www.caritas.org.hk/en/e_donation, or by check made payable to Caritas Hong Kong and posted to Finance Office, Room 407, Caritas House, 2 Caine Road, Hong Kong [please write “Emergency Response to Turkey and Syria Earthquake” on the envelope as well as the back of the cheque]. Provide your email address for receipts and for contact purposes.
Donations can also be deposited into the ICBC bank account for Caritas: 072-721-010001-606 under the name, Caritas-Hong Kong [Special Donations], or its Hong Kong Bank account numbered 004-502-476914-001 under the name, Caritas-Hong Kong [Emergency] Accounts, or Bank of China account: 012-875-2-057663-9 under the name, Caritas Hong Kong.
