Australians have been donating generously to appeals by NGOs and humanitarian agencies operating to help people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria earlier this month.
So far, donations from the public to the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) have exceeded $1.1 million.
The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is promoting appeals by its member organisations, which must comply with its Code of Conduct requirements. This includes a responsibility to provide clear information to donors on the emergency and the work they are doing with affected communities.
NGOs working on the ground are critical in ensuring a free and ready flow of goods and services to people in need, including blankets, clothing and medicines. They do that by having established and trusted partners on the ground, who already have a response mobilised.
By donating directly to NGOs, Australians can be assured that their money is being channeled directly to those in need.
NGOs and humanitarian agencies are also calling on Australians to ensure that they donate responsibly. Unrequested goods sent abroad can often be unnecessary and end up blocking space in ports and airports, and can often end up in landfill.
“Cash is king when it comes to donations,” said ACFID’s Humanitarian and Policy Advisor Natasha Chabbra. “Cash is fast and flexible, and means that goods can be sourced and bought locally – meaning there’s a double positive impact as local businesses are supported.”
ACFID’s Consolidated Appeals page can be found here. Appeals from the Emergency Action Alliance and other members are listed here with links, for those wishing to donate to large or small organisations.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact [email protected] or call 0401 721 064.