// Asda joins other retailers in donating to victims of the Turkey and Syria earthquakes
// The grocer has donated £100,000 to UNICEF to support its efforts in providing aid to victims
Asda has joined Tesco and Sainsbury’s in donating to the Turkey and Syria earthquake victims.
The grocer has donated £100,000 to UNICEF to support its efforts in providing aid to victims of the earthquakes that struck on Monday.
The donation will fund emergency shelter supplies, water sanitation and hygiene kits for those in need.
Asda said its clothing and homeware business George has also been in close contact with its suppliers in the region, who are providing shelter and clothing to families who have lost their homes. The George Office in Turkey is also providing donations of warm clothing to those in need.
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Asda co-owner, Mohsin Issa said; “Our thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria as they come to terms with these terrible events. We stand with our fellow retailers and businesses in offering our support to the humanitarian effort and are proud to work with UNICEF as they provide critical aid on the ground.”
The donation comes after Tesco pledged money to The Sun’s appeal to support on-the-ground relief for survivors.
Tesco UK and Ireland CEO, Jason Tarry said: “Tesco fully supports this appeal and has committed to donate £100,000 to support the essential relief efforts of the British Red Cross.”
Sainsbury’s pledged to donate £250,000. Sainsbury’s CEO, Simon Roberts said: “We are incredibly moved and saddened to hear of the catastrophic earthquakes. This money will go towards providing urgent support.”
Fellow grocer Aldi said the Aldi South Group is donating £444,370 to the Red Cross. “We are monitoring developments in both countries and working to help individuals, families and communities affected. Our thoughts are with those affected,” Aldi said.
Frozen food retailer Iceland pledged to donate £50,000. Managing director Richard Walker said: “We felt compelled to help by offering a donation in support.”
Meanwhile, Amazon said it will help the Red Crescent and other relief organisations that are supporting survivors of the earthquakes. The online giant donated a truckload of relief items from its fulfilment centre in Istanbul on February 7, which included heaters and blankets.
Fellow online retailer Boohoo will donate £100,000 to the disaster relief effort.
Marks & Spencer donated £50,000 to the British Red Cross and has sent over 5,000 thermal items to the region. M&S chief executive, Stuart Machin said: “Sending our thoughts and condolences to M&S teams & suppliers based in Turkey and anyone affected by the devastating earthquakes.”
Homewares giant Ikea pledged to donate £8.87m. It said donations would go to ”the delivery of essential aid, including medical assistance, psychological support and healthcare services to those most impacted by the devastating earthquake”.
