Derry people raise over £30,000 for Concern Earthquake Appeal

Since the start of their Earthquake Appeal on February 7, over £30 000 has been donated to help those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Collections were organised by Concern volunteers at the Millennium Forum in Derry which in just two days raised an incredible £15,000.

There was also a steady flow of donations of cash to the Concern Bookshop in Ferryquay Street which raised a further £15,000. 

Ann and Tom are two of the 20 plus volunteers that work at Derry's Concern Bookshop on Ferryquay Street 

This total was also reached due to the generosity of the pupils, staff and parents of St Patrick's Primary School in Derry.

On February 10, the school held a fundraising event, with one day's notice, and everyone involved raised an amazing £4000. 

Concern Volunteer for six years, Terry Monaghan, has thanked the Derry public for their incredible generosity, "There has been a magnificent response to Concern’s appeal for victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

"The people of Derry have been amazing these last few weeks. It has been said in the past that the Derry population are the most generous and we felt that with the response to our appeal."

Concern Volunteer Cora Morrison, who collected donations outside the Millennium Forum said: “These are hard times for many people with pressure on many families to meet their basic needs but I was amazed at the generosity of local people.

"We did our stint outside the Forum for two hours and raised over £2500. We were about to complete our session when a lady from the Brandywell donated £500.

"Concern’s appeal is linked to the DEC, Disaster Emergency Committee, which is a temporary response to massive disasters. The major charities, Oxfam, Save the Children and others, pool their resources and expertise to respond to a major disaster.

"The money raised in Derry will be supplemented by the Government. Supplies of basic necessities: food, fresh water, temporary shelters and medical supplies can then be transported to where they are most needed.

"The death toll in the affected area continues to rise and is approaching 50,000. Survivors are enduring appalling winter conditions without the basic necessities.

"They also have to endure the trauma of bereavement and caring for people severely injured in the quake. There are reports of a series of aftershocks which have petrified the already shattered population.”

Concern Worldwide works in 29 countries around the world and already has a presence in the region. They have been working in Turkey, Lebanon and Syria supporting refugees from the war in Syria. Expertise developed with this work is invaluable in helping with the current crisis.

Contributions for this appeal can still be made to the Concern Bookshop on Derry's Ferryquay Street. The shop is run solely by over 20 volunteers with all profits going towards Concern.

Readers might also consider a longer term commitment to the work of Concern by making a regular contribution, details of how to do so can be found on the Concern website.