Due to the overwhelming response, the Turkish Embassy has temporarily ceased receiving in-kind donations for victims of the tragic Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Due to the influx of winter apparel donations, among others, the embassy said in a Facebook post on Thursday that it has temporarily suspended collecting such items until further notice.
The post said, "This decision aims to reflect our resolve to maximize the utilization of incoming donations and our sensitivity to respect the generosity of our Singaporean friends."
Thursday at 11.30 a.m., the embassy sent a message on its social media accounts directing donations from the SGX Centre 1 location of its embassy to a collecting place at 10 Genting Lane, as its office had run out of room.
Thursday morning media reports and social media photographs depicted long lines of donors carrying bags in the SGX Centre foyer.
The embassy had issued an appeal for donations of winter clothing for adults and children, as well as tents, blankets, and diapers, earlier this week.
Monday, the embassy plans to send donations to Turkey and Syria.
Several charities in Singapore have also begun fundraising efforts for victims.
Humanity Matters, a Singapore-based interfaith organisation, is collaborating with the Turkish Embassy in Singapore to provide victims and first responders in Turkey with surgical respirators and oxygen chambers.
The Singaporean organization Mercy Relief and the local charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) are collaborating with the Turkish organization Hayrat Humanitarian Aid Association to offer victims with immediate aid such as warm meals and blankets.
From February 10 to 16, donation boxes will also be put in all mosques throughout Singapore.
The general public can contribute money to Mercy Relief's bank account via its website (DBS: 054-900741-2).
PayNow (UEN: 200910530ZRLA, indicate "TurkeySyria2023" in remarks) or bank transfer (OCBC: 60131331501), or by mailing a cheque to RLAF or the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
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