The fashion world responds to crises in Turkey and Syria

Earlier this week, Turkey and parts of Northern Syria were witness to one of the most devastating earthquakes in the region, killing nearly 15,000 citizens and injuring more than 51,000 of the two nations. The number continues to rise as the disaster wreaked havoc, destroying homes, entire towns, and livelihood of the people. For years, Turkey has been one of the predominant countries for production of clothes and textiles, supplying to some of the most iconic brands in the world. 
In wake of the ongoing tragedy, leaders, philanthropists, corporates and giants of the fashion industry have come together to provide financial and other aid to the two nations.

Denim brand Kuyichi that works with one of the fabric suppliers in the quake-affected region said in a statement: “We are saddened by the devastating earthquake that was felt in Turkey and Syria. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims and their families who are feeling the impact of this tragedy. We stand with the people of Turkey and Syria during this difficult time and will do everything we can to help them recover.” Others like Amazon have also made efforts to work with relief organisation like the UN and Red Cross for immediate aid.

Read on to know how various brands of the fashion industry have made proactive efforts to respond to the crisis and do all they can to help the people of the region.

Inditex 
Parent company of brands such as Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, Inditex has already made a donation of nearly $3.2 million to the Turkish Red Crescent Organisation—one of the country’s largest humanitarian organisations. “Our support will be used to cover basic needs, and we remain available to the main organisations working in the area if future demands arise,” the Spanish multinational company said in a statement. Besides providing financial aid, Inditex has also supplied more than 500,000 items of warm clothing for the victims of the earthquake. 

Amazon
E-commerce giant Amazon also announced their support to aid the crisis earlier this week. The company  has pledged financial support to Turkish Red Crescent and other organisations. A few days ago, they also donated basic supplies such as blankets and heaters to various parts of the country. Here’s what they said in a statement: “In the coming days, we will work with local organisations and aid groups to identify needs and deploy Amazon's logistics and delivery system to assist with these needs."  

Marks & Spencer 
The British multinational retailer also recently announced that it would provide financial aid and support to the British Red Cross which has been on-ground, actively providing help to those affected by the disaster. They will also be sending nearly 5,000 necessary goods to the two nations. 

Boohoo
A second British retailer has also made efforts to provide relief to the affected areas by donating £100,000 as well as organising sales to raise funds for relief efforts. 

OTB Group
The charity arm of the luxury goods company OTB Group, the parent organisation of brands such as Diesel and Maison Margiela, has made efforts to collaborate and partner with the UNHCR to help provide emergency kits which includes supplies such as water tanks, kitchen sets, blankets, winter wear, and more. They have been distributing these supplies across refugee camps in regions such as Aleppo and Homs in Syria. 

Kering 

Kering is the parent company of the world’s most iconic brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and several others. The organisation, along with all its brands, has pledged to donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross to meet the immediate needs of the people affected by the earthquake. 

Lead Image courtesy: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University