Manchester United FC has pledged its support to the UNICEF appeal set up to help victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria as millions continue to be affected across the region.
An earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck parts of the two countries at around 4am on Monday morning with thousands of people tragically losing their lives. Others have been impacted through injuries, and damage to homes and infrastructure leaving people homeless and/or without basic means to survive.
In response to that disaster, humanitarian group UNICEF have launched an appeal to send funds, and supplies, to people in the two countries. United have pledged £50,000 towards the cause.
This will be used to help UNICEF in their efforts to mobilise aid and services to those affected, primarily with an intent to help children and families. It comes in addition to the £1million collective donation put forward by the Premier League via the Disasters Emergency Committee.
A statement on the club donation was made by John Shiels MBE, who serves as chief executive at Manchester United Foundation. He said: “Through the power and resources of UNICEF, this donation from the club will have immediate impact on the ground in Turkey and Syria.”
He continued: “Our partnership means we are able to quickly pledge support to the thousands of young people and families who have been affected by this awful humanitarian disaster.”
UNICEF work in Turkey has overseen the mobilisation of emergency supplies as well as ensuring safe spaces for children and their families to access. Over in Syria, efforts spearheaded by the humanitarian group have centred on providing people with clean water, as well as securing the safety and wellbeing of children.
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