bpost sets off for Turkey with 22,5 tonnes of donations
Two trucks departed for Turkey in the early afternoon of Friday 3 March. These are the first consignments of donations bpost has collected as part of the humanitarian response in aid of the victims of the severe earthquakes in the country. Upon arrival, the supplies will be handed over to Turkish postal operator Ptt As.
Friday 3 March 2023Severe earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have caused devastation. There is a tangible fear that there may be more to come. Many have lost everything, including loved ones. They endeavour to survive in the toughest of conditions. bpost immediately launched an initiative to help the victims on 21 February by asking the Belgian population to donate essential goods in the Post Offices.
That elicited an overwhelming response from the people of Belgium, who dropped off donations at Post Offices throughout the country in an outpouring of generosity. Colruyt also donated non-perishable food as well as personal care and hygiene products. Two fully loaded trucks have now left Belgium for Turkey with the first consignments of donations.
Selected figures:
- 22,5 tonnes (66 pallets) of non-perishable food and vital supplies already heading for Turkey
- 2 drivers in 2 trucks set off on 3 March 2023 in close partnership with an external hauler
- 5600 km return trip
- Hundreds of emails and calls from citizens who want to help the victims
- 657 Post Offices throughout the country are collecting donations through to 31 March
Says Jos Donvil, CEO bpost Belgium: “The victims of the earthquakes in Turkey are in desperate need of food. I was told that solidarity is in bpost’s DNA and this is proof of that. This act of solidarity is built on our logistics expertise and our proximity, combined with the generosity of citizens. We’ve already collected many tonnes worth of donations. It’s fantastic. Seeing the engagement of the people and businesses of Belgium is a real inspiration. It’s very emotional. The departure of these first two trucks, loaded up with products, in just a short period shows that solidarity can do great things.”
And the campaign continues. bpost is collecting vital supplies at 657 Post Offices across the country for transport to Istanbul. There they will be handed off to Turkish postal operator Ptt As, which will deploy the people and resources needed to get the donations to where they are most needed.
Donations can be dropped off at any of the 657 Post Offices up to and including 31 March 2023. The list of products that can be accepted and all additional information can be found here: https://www.bpost.be/fr/chaque-geste-compte
Donating money
For evident security reasons, bpost is unable to send aid to Syria. However, bpost advises all those who wish to help to make a financial donation to Consortium 1212
