Disaster and Emergency Response
The Charity and Solidarity Foundation aims to contribute to humanitarian aid and rehabilitation efforts in the event of major disasters in our country.
In the event of a natural disaster, we conduct situation and needs assessments in the affected regions and provide in-kind and financial support to all impacted communities.
In line with accountability principles, our humanitarian aid is tailored to the needs of the disaster-affected area, without any conflict of interest. In addition to providing access to hygiene and clean water, food, and basic necessities, we also work to improve the living conditions of those affected in the medium and long term.
SEVKAR Foundation is also a founding member of the Disaster Platform and continues to work in coordination with relevant public institutions and civil society organizations during disaster situations.
- Elazığ Earthquake (2020): Our team conducted needs assessments in Elazığ and delivered essential humanitarian supplies to those in need, providing individual case management.
- Izmir Earthquake (2020): In collaboration with local municipalities, we distributed heaters and market vouchers, and installed mobile showers in tent areas. We also conducted information sessions to facilitate access to services for those affected by the earthquake.
- Pandemic Period Activities: During the pandemic, we collaborated with the MAREV Foundation to distribute food packages to those in need in Mardin. Additionally, food packages and market vouchers were distributed to those who lost their jobs in Istanbul and Hatay. Support was also provided to refugees through market vouchers, and we organized counseling and informational seminars to facilitate access to services, including online social activities for women and youth.
Post-Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes Hatay Activities (2023): Following the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on February 7, 2023, the SEVKAR team quickly began support activities in Hatay-Kırıkhan. Comprehensive humanitarian aid supplies were distributed in Kırıkhan and surrounding areas, including Antakya, Defne, İskenderun, Samandağ, Hassa, Kumlu, and Altınözü. Our foundation provided 56 portable toilets, 30 portable showers, drinking water, 3,100 hygiene kits, food packages, market vouchers, clothing, tents, stoves, blankets, medical supplies, toys, baby formula, diapers, adult diapers, underwear, and pallets to those in need.
Our efforts for earthquake-affected individuals continue to address basic needs, health, shelter, and education. We have played an active role in delivering humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in coordination with the Kırıkhan District Governorate, AFAD, the Social Assistance Foundation, and the Directorate of Social Services. To date, cash support has been provided to 800 households, with plans to continue this support. Additionally, seminars on combating violence against women have been organized in container cities, and individual counseling services have been provided. Our field team supports individual information, counseling, and guidance in the region.
We have also provided wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other medical supplies for disabled individuals. To meet the educational needs of children in a container city in Kırıkhan, we have addressed the needs for air conditioning, desks, and chairs in the study center, fulfilled a library request for a school in Defne, and donated 9 air conditioners to a school in Kırıkhan.
To support the livelihoods of women affected by the earthquake, we have collaborated with women’s cooperatives and organized psychosocial activities for children. This includes organizing clown events at regular intervals and covering the entrance tickets for 600 children at an amusement park established with the support of the Kırıkhan District Governorate.
SEVKAR Foundation continues its efforts to ensure sustainable recovery after the disaster and to provide access to fundamental rights and services for disaster-affected communities.
