In the wake of the devastating earthquakes to hit Turkey and Syria at the start of the month, Bpost will be collecting essential goods for Turkey between 21 February and 31 March, the company announced in a statement on Thursday.
Bpost will coordinate with Turkey's postal operator PTT to deliver aid. However, security problems in Syria make getting supplies to those affected considerably harder. Those wishing to help can fill a box with food or personal care products. The public will be able to deposit basic necessities in the 657 post offices in the country from 21 February. A list of needed products will be provided, only those will be accepted.
For food, tins containing fish, meat, vegetables, fruit or soup, baby milk powder, cereals, dried fruit and packaged biscuits are being collected. Personal hygiene products that are welcome include soaps, shower gels, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, panty liners, sanitary towels, tampons, baby nappies and wet wipes. Blankets, sleeping bags and external batteries can also be donated.
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Once the goods have been collected, they will be sorted and packaged in bulk before being transported to Istanbul, where Turkish Post will take over. Bpost asks citizens to avoid glass packaging; boxes should weigh no more than 10 kg.
“Every day we see images of people struggling to survive amidst collapsed buildings. Their lives have been buried under the rubble. By sending sleeping bags, powdered baby milk or canned food via Bpost to the affected regions, you are helping to save lives,” said Bpost supervising minister Petra De Sutter.
Bpost carried out a similar initiative to help the Ukrainian population.
