Norfolk charity looking for baby food and first aid kit for Turkey and Syria

Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre have been collecting donations since the earthquake hit two weeks ago

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 20th Feb 2023

A Norfolk charity say they're looking for baby food, nappies and first aid, that can be sent across to Turkey and Syria.

Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre have been collecting donations since the earthquake hit two weeks ago, and say local support hasn't stopped.

"People who are in an awful position and need our support"

Ian Odgers runs this charity:

"We want to make sure that if donations contain clothes, they are useable and they are fit for purpose. We often hear, 'beggars can't be choosers' but these people are not beggars, they are people who are in an awful position and need our support.

"If things can be boxed, labelled and clear identified it saves our volunteers precious time.

"We have got a team of volunteers that we have been working with very closely, and we understand what the needs are.

"So we were able to switch over and work with the community once again, and reach out for donations that can then be sorted and shipped out again".

"He is emotional, overwhelmed, he is so incredibly happy"

Joanne Marie has recently been in touch with a Turkish man and his family living in Fakenham

"We were reaching out to people who could help with vans and help get all this over to London so they can be dropped off.

"It's been overwhelming, the help we have had. It's been incredible.

"He is emotional, overwhelmed, he is so incredibly happy. He keeps messaging me saying he's so grateful for everyone having such big hearts.

"He feels a bit like he can't do too much because he's trying to work to support his family. He is so appreciative and he's not surprised but he did not expect this level of generosity".

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