Nottingham Building Society has made a £20,000 donation from its Samuel Fox Foundation to support on-the-ground humanitarian efforts in Turkey, where tens of thousands of people have lost their lives and an estimated 1.5 million have lost their homes due to the devastating earthquake and aftershock.
The Society will partner with Operation Orphan, a charity supporting vulnerable children and young people globally, to ensure that 100% of the donation goes to current relief efforts in Turkey.
The funds will be utilised to provide shelter and safety to affected children and young people, in addition to basic necessities such as medical equipment, food, and water.
Colleagues at The Nottingham will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to two days, and the Society will fund their efforts. Colleague donations will be matched.
The Samuel Fox Foundation, named after the founder of The Nottingham in 1849, donated almost £110,000 to local charities in 2022 and is committed to increasing that amount in 2023.
Brad Moore, co-founder at Operation Orphan, expressed gratitude for the Nottingham’s generous donation and support of the organisation’s critical work.
He said: “Our team are working hard to ensure children who have lost their parents are located, connected to the correct care structure and supported as they continue to heal from the trauma experienced.
“We greatly appreciate The Nottingham’s kind donation and look forward to helping support those affected.”
Chief executive officer of The Nottingham, Sue Hayes, added: “Like others around the world, our team is deeply saddened by the devastating situation unfolding in Turkey and Syria following the series of earthquakes.
“Seeing many thousands of people lose their lives, families and their homes, we felt moved to help in any way we can.
“We know from working together last year the important work Operation Orphan do supporting children and young people in times of crisis, providing shelter and creating a safe space for those in need.
“Our colleagues are keen to play a part so partnering with a fellow Nottingham-based organisation means we can increase our impact with volunteering and collections, in addition to the financial donation from our charitable foundation.
“We’re proud to support such a fantastic Nottingham charity doing hugely important work to help those who have lost everything.”
