Indies provide earthquake aid

INDEPENDENT retailers and wholesalers have rallied together to support the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria with vital supplies.

On 6 February, several earthquakes devastated southern parts of Turkey and the northern border of Syria. When Retail Express went to press, authorities reported that the death toll in both regions had surpassed 36,000, with many injured. Independent retailers started major support efforts to help those impacted. Mehmet Guzel, who runs several SimplyFresh stores across London, urgently asked customers and the public to help donate clothing, blankets and sanitary products.

He told Retail Express: “We ended up getting several- vans-full of donations. We had to pause them because the shop was getting so full. We’re also going to start a fundraiser and hold a bake sale.”

Guzel was also featured on BBC News, highlighting his hard work to support victims.

Premier retailer Hasan Altundal is also operating a collection point. “We were accepting long-life tinned goods and brand-new clothing,” he said. “The donations were placed in a van, which we drove to Manchester Airport for Turkish Airlines and the Turkish consulate.”

Some post of�ice branches have also stepped up to help, while Co-op donated more than £100,000. Bestway also set up a £100,000 fundraising target, while independent wholesalers Lyton Exports and Global Foods made a combined £6,000 donation.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘earthquake’