Mums United in Sheffield has raised nearly £4000 of their £5000 target in aid of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
The fundraiser is being organised by its charity trustee Shahd Salha, a Sheffield resident and Syrian mother of three.
She said: “They are short of everything. There are severe problems for those under the rubble, their functionality is declining.
“People have lost limbs and are suffering heart attacks under the rubble as there are high toxic elements in the air that are entering the body.”
Prof. Salha is in direct contact with those who are making efforts on the ground in Syria and Southern Turkey.
She is continuing to ask people to keep donating so they can reach their target of £5000.
The money raised goes to immediate aid such as food and tents, but is also allocating money to resettlements of people, helping families with costs of rent.
Alongside the donation page, Mums United is hosting a community fundraising event in Wicker, Sheffield.
Prof. Salha said: “The event is multicultural, involving food, singing, music, charity sales.
“It allows people to come together to donate food and clothes and for people to see what is happening in Syria.
“It will include a memorial corner where images have been made specifically for Mums United by those in Syria, describing their personal experiences.”
The charity is also starting a project to make hats, inspired by the protection hats that Shahd saw children wear whilst studying during the 2011 earthquake in Japan.
Prof. Salha describes how the children started to develop phobias related to earthquakes, so the hats aim to give them a sense of protection.
As a graduate from The University of Sheffield, Shahd wants university students to get active in the cause.
She said: “One of the groups that we work with on the ground is the North Syria students’ union. This has been created by students from different universities across this region, who have suspended their studies to help those in need.
“These students, who have no source of income or support, are giving their time and energy and are allowing us to be able to distribute resources.
“If students overseas can give just some of their energy, time and income, it all helps to make a difference and shows international solidarity.”
The community fundraising event is open to the public, and takes place on 11th March from 11am-5pm at the SADACCA community centre.
