SHAH ALAM - Sinar Karangkraf has launched a fundraising campaign to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria with a target collection of RM250,000.
Sinar Karangkraf Marketing and Branding Head Nik Justin Nik Mohd Ariffin said the fundraising, in collaboration with Syria Care and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) called the #BantuanBencana Sinar Karangkraf x SyriaCare for Turkey & Syria was active starting today.
He said the fundraising was launched as one of the company's corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and humanitarian action.
"The fundraising is launched from Feb 8 to Feb 28 with target amounting to RM250,000, to help the earthquake victims there.
"The collection will continue after Feb 28 and the funds will be sent in stages depending on the amount collected later," he said here yesterday.
Nik Justin said Sinar Karangkraf has been implementing humanitarian fundraising since more than three years ago.
"The fund is activated as soon as any disasters in the country or abroad happened," he said.
Regarding the collaboration with Syria Care, Nik Justin said Sinar Karangkraf took into account the network possessed by the non-governmental organisations (NGO).
"Unlike Karangkraf's previous solo movement, this time we are collaborating with Syria Care and IIUM.
"Through Syria Care, the aid distribution and maintenance processes can run smoothly since they already have a network there.
"We also welcome cooperation from corporate bodies and other NGOs to jointly raise funds," he said.
He added that the collected funds would be utilised for four important aspects which were temporary settlement assistance for the displaced population, food, medicine and winter essentials such as blankets, clothes and heaters.
Nik Justin said any donations could be channeled through 5642-7652-9068 (Maybank) account under Sinar Karangkraf or directly contact the secretariat line at 019-2133315.
Meanwhile, the Syria Care Organisation has mobilised emergency aid for the victims in Turkey and Syria, to buy various urgent needs including winter essentials.
Its chief executive officer Siti Sakinah Meor Omar Baki said the emergency aid included food, medicine and fuel.
"We encourage donations in the form of ringgit because we want to reduce the logistics cost of sending the donations from here (Malaysia), in addition to several other constraints.
"We have been mobilising (collecting aid) since yesterday (Monday). Our target for now is to collect RM100,000 funds in two weeks," she said, yesterday.
Siti Sakinah said items like clothes and blankets were urgent needs because it was winter in both countries.
"This disaster occurred during winter and most victims are left with nothing. Imagine the situation of those who are placed in the temporary evacuation centres now," she said.