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How Companies Are Responding to the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
If your company is working on a CSR initiative related to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, please take a moment to share it here. We will update this post as more examples are submitted and curated from third-party sources.
When natural disasters occur, firms may choose to respond through a charitable contribution, a matching gifts program, an employee relief program, and/or volunteerism. The tragic earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria is no exception. To help corporate social responsibility teams assess the situation and determine the best course of action, BCCCC is tapping our vast member community, gathering insights from companies around the world. We hope one or more of the following examples may prove helpful to anyone preparing to address earthquake relief for internal or external stakeholders. A running list of NPOs to which many are donating is also included at the bottom of this post, followed by several disaster relief resources our team has compiled.
Companies Responding to the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
UPS
The UPS Foundation is delivering what matters for the people of Turkey and Syria with a commitment of $1M in global logistics support and UPS employee contributions with company match as follows:
* Customized UPS Community Connections with matching funds giving opportunities to CARE, UNICEF, Needs Map and the Turkish Red Crescent.
* Underwriting in-country transport of relief goods for the Istanbul and Turkish government, Needs Map, and the Turkish Red Crescent.
* Allowing in-country donations to be dropped off at UPS Turkey facilities in collaboration with Needs Map. UPS volunteers will sort donations and coordinate transport to staging hubs.
* Activating EDUARDO, an emergency air dashboard created by UPS and the Logistics Emergency Team to help NGOs quickly access flight capacity at Turkish airports.
* Collaborating with the Global Logistics Cluster to address customs challenges.
* Working with World Food Programme, UNICEF, UNHCR and International Red Cross & Red Crescent to fly in relief items from Dubai to support Turkey and Syrian refugees.
* Providing ground transport for the Turkish Embassy in Dubai to Turkish Airlines in Dubai.
* Building an airbridge from our European air hub in Cologne to Istanbul, offering space on daily flights to humanitarian organizations and supplies from the Turkish Embassy and local suppliers including space available cargo for relief items beginning on Feb 9 for the next two weeks .
* Connecting with UPS country leads, local non-profits and the Logistics Emergency Team supporting the UN Logistics Global Cluster.
* Launching a winter-items donation drive in the UAE and a nation-wide relief kit packing volunteer exercise is being planned at Expo City.
* Helping connect LA county sheriffs with Airlink to obtain transportation via third party airlines
* Standing up a support desk for donors in the US to provide discount shipping support.
FEDEX
FedEx shared in an updated (2/21/23) newsroom post:
"FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) continues to support those affected by the catastrophic earthquakes that have devastated Southern Turkey and Northern Syria, committing more than $1,000,000 (USD) worth of in-kind shipping so far. Overnight, the company chartered a FedEx MD-11 of dedicated relief from Dubai, UAE, to Istanbul, Turkey. This was the fifth consecutive flight taking place from February 17 to 21 delivering approximately 230 metric tonnes of relief supplies including tents, blankets, baby items, household supplies, and hygiene kits from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)."
TARGET
Target posted the following on its Disaster Preparedness & Response page:
"Heartbreaking images from Turkey and Syria show the devastation of a massive earthquake on a region already impacted by a refugee crisis. While Target doesn’t have direct operations in either country, we’re anxious to help the humanitarian efforts underway. We committed $500,000 of direct support to the region for immediate response and recovery efforts with partners including CARE, Save the Children, UNICEF, American Red Cross and International Medical Corps. We also announced a $1 million commitment to address ongoing global humanitarian aid throughout 2023 with partners like World Food Programme and UNICEF."
BANK OF AMERICA
Bank of America shared in a Twitter post:
Our thoughts are with those in Turkey & Syria that have been impacted by the recent earthquakes. In addition to ongoing support and matching employee donation funds, we’re giving $600K across four organizations: @WFP, @IMC_Worldwide, @CAREGlobal and @ifrc
PITNEY BOWES
Pitney Bowes shared via email:
Considering the magnitude of devastation and loss, the Pitney Bowes Relief Fund will provide a grant to the American Red Cross in support of relief and recovery efforts. We are committed to supporting those in need through partnership with relief agencies with the capabilities and expertise to address the crisis as it unfolds. Pitney Bowes colleagues have asked how they can help. Through a humanitarian relief global appeal, employees may direct donations to the following organizations and the Pitney Bowes Foundation will support employee donations with a 1:1 match:
- International Committee of the Red Cross (US employees)
- International Red Cross/Red Crescent Society (employees outside the US)
- International Rescue Committee
- Save the Children
DUPONT
DuPont's global leader of community impact, Patrick McCrummen, shared the following post via LinkedIn:
"My heart breaks for the people of Turkey and Syria who have lost friends and loved ones in the aftermath of this week's devastating earthquake. The unfathomable damage has left untold thousands vulnerable. Through company-matched employee donations to the Turkey Red Crescent Society, we are supporting the delivery of critical needs such as food, shelter, water, clothing, and medical supplies. I'm proud of DuPonters around the globe who are taking action to ease the suffering of so many."
SAMSUNG
Samsung will donate $3 million to Turkey and other help, such as free repairs and appliances. The South Korean firm will donate $1.5 million in cash to Turkey Disaster and Risk Management Agency. In addition, the company will donate home appliances for temporary shelters for earthquake victims, portable ultrasound diagnostic devices that can be used at disaster locations, free Galaxy tablets for the education of the children in the affected families, and free home appliance repair vehicles that have goods worth $1.5 million.
ACCENTURE
Accenture chair and chief executive officer, Julie Sweet, shared in a LinkedIn post:
"Our hearts go out to the people of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake. All Accenture colleagues in Turkey are safely accounted for, but we know that many of our people have friends and family who they are deeply worried about. Accenture is donating US $1 million to humanitarian relief organizations, and our people are helping through a global giving campaign with 100% matching funds, to add to the efforts being made to quickly reach those most in need."
TELUS
TELUS shared via email, "Delivering on our philanthropic commitment, the following initiatives went live in market on Feb 6:
Waiving charges: Through Feb 28*, TELUS is waiving charges for the following:
- Wireless roaming for calls, texts and data usage for customers currently there, as well as long distance and SMS fees for those at home in Canada reaching out to friends and family in Turkey and Syria.
- Wireline: home phone long distance charges to Turkey and Syria.
Text to donate: Team members, retirees and customers can support the relief efforts for those impacted by the earthquakes from their personal mobile device by texting DONATE to 41010 to give $20 to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation to support registered charities providing earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria.
Charity Partners: We have donated $50,000 to the Humanitarian Coalition and $50,000 to the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) who are both on the ground in Syria and Türkiye supporting immediate and long term needs. Remaining donations fundraised will be going to local Canadian organizations who are supporting relief efforts
TELUS Match opportunity went live on our Benevity giving platform, Team TELUS Cares. TELUS will match donations from team members and retirees to the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.
TELUS Rewards: Customers in AB and BC can redeem their points for a $10 donation to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation in support of the earthquake relief efforts until February 28.
TELUS Health Crisis Support Line: From now until Feb 28, 2023, LifeWorks Crisis Support Line will be open for anyone in Canada in need of emotional support related to the Turkey & Syria earthquakes. The number is 1-844-751-2133 and open 24/7. By calling, individuals will receive professional emotional support and/or referral to community resources.
TELUS International:
- TELUS International is developing long term support packages for impacted team members and their families, and providing them with financial assistance.
- TELUS International Türkiye is donating US $16,000 to Foundation of Anatolian People and Peace Platform (AHBAP).
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (TI) FOUNDATION
The TI Foundation has made a grant of $25,000 to American Red Cross for earthquake relief in Türkiye and will match donations by TI employees to American Red Cross and other accredited U.S.-based nonprofits. Employees outside of the U.S. can donate to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Türkiye fund, and the TI Foundation will match up to $25,000 in total donations to this fund by non-U.S. employees.
COCA-COLA
The Coca-Cola system will provide $1 million USD toward disaster relief in Turkey. In addition, Coca-Cola Içecek, the Company’s bottling partner in Turkey, has shipped several tractor-trailers of bottled water to the Turkish Red Crescent Society from its nearest facility for distribution in those areas with the greatest need. Employees across the region have also initiated a campaign to send cash contributions to help support the aid work of the Red Crescent in the Van area.
AMAZON
Amazon donated relief items including heaters, blankets, and other goods to aide first responders and help victims stay warm amid frigid weather. Amazon customers can help by donating through a new donations page on Amazon’s Turkey store. Regarding employee safety and wellbeing, Amazon stated:
"As of Tuesday morning, all of Amazon’s nearly 2,000 employees in Turkey were safe and accounted for. We continue to be in contact with organizations on the ground and the Turkish government to learn more about what’s needed in areas impacted by the earthquake, and we will work with partners to deliver relief items and logistical support."
DEUTSCHE BANK
Deutsche Bank’s corporate social responsibility teams and foundations around the world are launching a campaign to support humanitarian relief.
"As a bank we’ve been in Turkey since 1909 and we stand by our colleagues there," Sewing said. "We are making a donation to support the Red Cross/Red Crescent and will start a donation campaign among staff worldwide."
IKEA
The IKEA Foundation commited €10 million to provide emergency assistance in Türkiye and Northern Syria. The Foundation is also speaking with other partners who are operating in the region. These partners are coordinating with Turkish authorities to understand further needs and opportunities to provide additional assistance. This includes discussions with Better Shelter, looking at ways to provide modular temporary housing units in Türkiye and Syria.
APPLE
Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted:
"Sending our thoughts and condolences to the people of Turkey, Syria, and anyone affected by the devastating earthquakes. Apple will be donating to relief and recovery efforts."
Google and Alphabet CEO, Sundar Pichai tweeted:
"Thinking of everyone in Türkiye and Syria who are experiencing devastating loss after the earthquakes. We've activated SOS alerts to provide relevant emergency information to those impacted, and @Googleorg and Googlers will be supporting relief and recovery efforts."
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES
Chief Marketing Officer of Zebra Technologies Corporation, Jeffrey Schmitz, shared via Twitter, "our hearts and thoughts go out to those in Turkey (Turkiye) and Syria affected by the terrible earthquake that struck on Feb. 6. Zebra's company-wide giving campaign has been activated to help provide relief to those in need."
HORMEL FOODS
The company shared in a tweet:
"Our hearts go out those who have been and are continuing to be impacted by the powerful earthquake that took place in Turkey & Syria. To help support those in need, we are making additional donations to @WCKitchen & @ConvoyofHope to support their response & relief efforts."
PEPSICO
PepsiCo shared the following via a recent LinkedIn post:
"This week’s earthquake in South-East Türkiye and North-West Syria has resulted in significant loss in the region and the PepsiCo Foundation is working hand in hand with local non-profit partners to mobilize on the ground support as quickly as possible. To support the impacted communities, the PepsiCo Foundation is providing $1.2 million USD, inclusive of employee donation matching to non-profit partners, in humanitarian aid to those impacted in Türkiye and Syria. This includes partnering with non-profit organizations Tider and Ahbap to deliver essential supplies (food, water, sanitation and hygiene materials) along with accommodations, container shelters, blankets and other emergency support necessities to those in need. We will continue to engage with our local partners to help support those affected in Türkiye and Syria as they recover and rebuild in the weeks and months ahead."
GREEN SHIELD CANADA
Green Shield Canada shared in a LinkedIn post:
"Our hearts are with those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Green Shield is donating $75,000 to support relief efforts, which will be distributed between the Canadian Red Cross and Islamic Relief Canada. We are also matching Green Shield employee donations to emergency relief at 200%, which means that for every $1 an employee contributes, Green Shield will give $2. The Government of Canada has also announced that they will match up to $10 million in donations to the Canadian Red Cross for this disaster, resulting in exponential impact for your contributions."
NOVARTIS
The company shared via press release:
"Our thoughts are with the people who are impacted by this tragic event. We are in close contact with our local team and are working with them to assess the situation and ensure the wellbeing of our 1,600 associates and their families as well as getting our medicines to patients in need. So far, all our associates in the affected area have been reported as safe. As a company, we are committed to helping the humanitarian effort and are donating USD 1 million. We want to make sure this support gets to those most in need and we are currently working to identify the best partners to achieve this."
MERCEDES-BENZ
The company shared in a Twitter post:
"We are donating one million euros to @roteskreuz_de (The German Red Cross) for the people in Turkey and Syria who have been affected by the severe earthquakes. The donation will be used for local humanitarian aid in order to quickly provide the bare essentials."
TESCO, MARKS & SPENCER
In response to The Sun's Earthquake Appeal, the two store chains donated a combined £150K, which will go to the British Red Cross. Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO, said: “Tesco fully supports this appeal and has committed to donate £100,000 to support the essential relief efforts of the British Red Cross.” M&S CEO Stuart Machin said the disaster felt close to home as the business has “many teams based in Turkey”. The company has also donated 5,000 thermals.
ADIDAS
The company shared on LinkedIn:
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating Earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria early morning on February 6. We are partnering with the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V. | German Red Cross in order to support the relief efforts.
We have been moved by the response from our ///-team, who are also eager to support with aid to the region. In order to help them in this endeavor, we're also setting up a platform in collaboration with the German Red Cross so that individual employees can contribute and we will match donations. We would especially like to thank members of our team in Turkey who have already coordinated the distribution of clothing to those in need."
T-MOBILE
T-Mobile is offering assistance to customers who need to stay connected to friends and family during this critical time. From February 6 through February 12, 2023, T-Mobile is waiving international long-distance and SMS texts to and from Turkey and the U.S and to Syria for T-Mobile, and Sprint postpaid consumer and business customers, T-Mobile Prepaid, Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers. The company will also waive international roaming, data and calls between Turkey and the U.S for T-Mobile and Sprint postpaid customers and prepaid.
BAYER
Bayer will donate a total of 1.5 million euros to the affected regions. Of that sum, 1 million euros will be used to offer “immediate aid” to Turkey through the disaster relief organizations Red Crescent and Ahbap. A further 200,000 euros will be sent to Syria by way of the German Red Cross. The company is also starting a global employee donation campaign, and Bayer will match up to 300,000 euros of giving. Bayer is also offering paid volunteer hours to qualified staffers in the region, and it’s preparing product donations—of both medicines and agricultural products—based on its assessment of “most urgent needs.”
GE HEALTHCARE
GE HealthCare Technologies is donating products valued at $1 million for use in the impacted areas and matching employee donations to a relief organization in Turkey.
BOEING
Boeing will provide a $500,000 USD donation from the Boeing Charitable Trust to assist those impacted by the recent earthquake in Turkey. Boeing's donation will be directed through the American Red Cross and designated for earthquake recovery and relief efforts by the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network.As part of the Boeing Gift Match program, the company will match dollar-for-dollar monetary donations from Boeing employees to charitable organizations supporting earthquake recovery and relief projects in Turkey. This will extend the reach of assistance being provided to impacted communities.
FM GLOBAL
FM Global shared via Twitter:
"We offer our sympathies to everyone affected by the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria. To support disaster relief, the FM Global Foundation will donate to the @RESCUEorg and @WCKitchen – and double match employee contributions to this organization."
ALLIANZ
Allianz Group announced it would make available six million euros to support relief and recovery efforts following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, including up to one million euros to match the donations of its employees and tied agents.
BAKER HUGHES
The Baker Hughes Foundation has announced a $100,000 grant to the Turkish Philanthropy Funds' Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund to support those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and surrounding areas. Additionally, through direct contributions from Baker Hughes employees and matching gifts from the Baker Hughes Foundation, an incremental $72,000 to support relief efforts has been raised since the first week in February.
DEUTSCHE TELEKOM
Deutsche Telekom will make all calls from its network between Germany, Turkey and Syria free for a week as part of its response to the earthquake; Telekom and Congstar customers in Turkey and Syria would be able to roam for free. The company also said in a statement it will donate $1 million euros for aid.
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
Mitsubishi will donate a total of $20 million yen (approximately US$ 152,672) to aid victims of earthquakes that struck Southern Turkey. The donation will be made through the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Japan. The company's local subsidiaries in Turkey also plan to make a donation, and the Mitsubishi Electric Group will continue to provide support for recovery.
DOOSAN GROUP
Doosan Group announced it will send around 1.25 billion won ($1 million) worth of Doosan Bobcat's construction equipment for disaster relief in Turkey. Doosan plans to promptly deliver the equipment, with the support of a local contractor, to be used for rescuing people and restoring basic infrastructure such as roads and buildings.
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is donating $50,000 to the Red Cross to support relief efforts for one of the most powerful earthquakes to ever hit Türkiye and Syria. "The devastating impact of these earthquakes coupled with vulnerabilities and harsh winter conditions, means recovery will be long, " said Patricia Contreras, vice president, Community Impact. "We are proud to support the Red Cross and their frontline efforts to help so many who are in need."
MERCURY
Mercury made "a sizeable donation" to the relief effort, and is raising money and encouraging all to help contribute. The company created a GoFundMe page and the funds will directly go to the relief effort. "As a global organization," the company shared via press release, "Mercury has a significant presence in Turkey. Thankfully, all our employees are safe. However, many of their friends and families are severely affected."
RED HAT
Phil Andrews, vice president and general manager of Red Hat's META region, posted the following (abbreviated) response via LinkedIn:
"To help those affected, I am proud to say that Red Hat is making directly a substantial donation to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to support their disaster response efforts. For those of you in my contacts that are Red Hatters, if you wish to contribute personally, in addition to the company donation, I encourage you to donate through our corporate matching programme portal. If your contribution is over US$25 Red Hat will match your donation."
APTIV
"In response to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the Aptiv Foundation will donate to provide emergency relief and fuel long-term recovery efforts through Global Giving. "
List of NPOs Where Companies Are Donating for Turkey and Syria
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
The Foundation of Anatolian People and Peace Platform (AHBAP)
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V. | German Red Cross
Islamic Relief Canada via the Humanitarian Coalition
International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Resources for Planning and Executing Corporate Disaster Relief
WEBINAR | Fostering Community Resilience
We have temporarily un-gated this members-only webinar recap, so all companies (BCCCC members and non-members) can learn about helping their communities prepare for disasters and mitigating the most disastrous impacts. Watch to learn how to add community resiliency to disaster relief programming to strengthen corporate and community response to crises.
ISSUE BRIEF | Disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery
We have temporarily un-gated this issue brief (mini whitepaper) on helping communities rebound from a traumatic event or natural disaster. The brief outlines multilevel and cross-sector efforts, with a focus on the immediate needs to be met—such as trauma support, and, in the case of extreme weather events, food, water, and shelter—as well as long-term needs to support development. In order to quickly and efficiently deploy corporate resources, corporate citizenship professionals must partner internally and externally to make the best possible use of all available resources, from corporate giving and volunteering to security, logistics, and supply chain management.
MAGAZINE ARTICLE | Redefining Disaster Relief and Response
In the wake of the events of 2020, the term “disaster” has been used with increased frequency. Companies are rethinking how they define disaster relief—a term once reserved for damage from extreme weather and industrial accidents—and expanding their programs to address urgent needs and build long-term resilience in our communities. In this article, we will explore how two companies—UPS and BJ’s Wholesale Club—adapted their disaster relief strategies to respond to new community challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.
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