The IKEA Foundation commits €10 million to provide emergency assistance in Turkey and northern Syria
The devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria has had a huge impact on the people of the region, with thousands now known to have lost their lives, caused widespread destruction, leaving millions of people wounded without access to basic healthcare. People and communities in the region are now counting the cost and international humanitarian efforts are under way.
Today the IKEA Foundation announced an immediate donation of €10 million to support Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The donation will go to provide life saving care where medical needs are the greatest. This will support the delivery of essential aid, including medical assistance, psychological support and healthcare services to those most impacted by the devastating earthquake.
The IKEA Foundation is also speaking with other partners who are operating in the region, 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 temporary housing units in Turkey.
Per Heggenes, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, said: “We are deeply saddened by the devastation and loss of life in Turkey and northern Syria following Monday’s earthquakes and especially by the impact on children and their families. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those who are affected. I call on the world’s governments, businesses, and philanthropies to join us in the relief support for Turkey and northern Syria.”
Stephen Cornish – Director General (Geneva) – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) , said: “We are shocked and saddened by the impact of this disaster. Health facilities are impacted and overwhelmed. Medical personnel in Turkey and northern Syria are working round the clock to respond to the huge numbers of wounded arriving at facilities. We are deeply thankful to the IKEA Foundation for increasing their donation with an additional €10 million grant to our emergency fund."
About the IKEA Foundation:
The IKEA Foundation is a strategic philanthropy that focuses its grant making efforts on tackling the two biggest threats to children’s futures: poverty and climate change. It currently grants more than €200 million per year to help improve family incomes and quality of life while protecting the planet from climate change. Since 2009, the IKEA Foundation has granted more than €1.5 billion to create a better future for children and their families. In 2021 the Foundation decided to make an additional €1 billion available over the next five years to accelerate the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions. Learn more at: www.ikeafoundation.org