Massive fundraiser for earthquake victims brings in €89 million

DutchNews, February 16, 2023 

Culture minister Gunay Uslu and singer Karsu Donmez as the
total is announced. Photo: Remko de Waal ANP

Wednesday’s television and radio charity marathon for the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria had raised almost €89 million by the end of broadcasting, the organisers said. 

‘It is overwhelming how much money has been given from across the country,’ said Michiel Servaes, the chairman of the Giro555 fund raising initiative, which represents 11 aid groups.

‘So many people have rung the panel to make donations, donated online and organised events,’ he said. Nine of the groups behind Giro555 are active in the relief effort and the money will be divided between them. 

The massive quakes hit the region 10 days ago and the death toll has since mounted to more than 41,000. 

On Wednesday, Dutch rescue teams pulled four people alive from under the rubble.