San Francisco's Fleet Week Association Aids in Van, Turkey Earthquake Recovery

In October, 2011, Van, Turkey was hit by a 7.1m earthquake. Subsequent aftershocks continue and included 5+m jolts that cause further damage and fear. Six months later, according to city leaders those that remain (some 150,000 of a city of 350,000) are living in the crumbling remains of building or tents exposed to the winter elements. The citizenry of Van has come together to care for themselves and their neighbors. The municipality of Van operates nine Distribution Centers around the central part of Van where the municipality distributes food and services to the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide some 30,000 meals a day and services include a children’s daycare, laundry, medical and shower facilities.

In January 2012, the San Francisco Fleet Week Association partnered with the City and County of San Francisco, providing support for a fact-finding team from the multiple city agencies to visit the area.  The team advised officials from Van on suggested needs and options for effectively providing humanitarian aid to those affected. There is still a need for the essentials - food, water, personal hygiene and childcare products, etc.), temporary shelter and building supplies, and emergency response and medical equipment to rebuild their emergency response infrastructures.  
 
The Fleet Week Association has launched portals for both goods and financial donations. Nearly 30,000 pounds of a hot grain product made by Nestle called Keyf-i Tahıl were recently sent to the citizens of Van. In partnership with Gıda Bankacılığı Derneği (the Turkish Food Bank Association), Aidmatrix and the Fleet Week Association facilitated the donation of product and discounted transportation to make this delivery happen.
 
Learn more and respond with direct donations to those in need