Following the devastating earthquake in Turkey on the 6th February we decided to see if we could help in anyway. We once again worked with Logistics Aid to transport aid to the effected area. We contacted Birmingham Central Mosque who welcomed our offer to help transport goods and following a meeting with them they offered to fill our trucks with aid and to fund most of the transportation costs.
We met with the Imam and leaders of the Mosque to see how we could work together to get aid to the earthquake zone.
1 week before departure we loaded the trucks at the Mosque.
We left a wet and windy Bromsgrove early on Saturday 18th March. From left to right, Jim, Tony, Arnie and Kash.
We drove until the early hours of the morning.
Often grabbing a few hours sleep in the back of the trucks.
4 days after setting off we finally arrived at our destination - the SKT orphanage refugee camp.
With money we took with us and funds raised enroute we were able to buy a pair of shoes for each of the 100 orphaned children in the camp.
We were able to provide food for the whole camp and some neighbouring fmilies the camp helped to support.
As well as the shoes and food we were able to leave money with the camp organisers to help fund the camp going forward.
We kept a litte money back to buy some sweets and toys for the children which were gratefully received.
On the way to the neighbouring city of Antakaya we saw evidence of the power of the earthquake. In this section of road one side of the carriage way is now over 1 metre higher than the other side.
The destruction in Antakaya was even worse than portrayed on TV. A city which was once home to 1.6 million people is now in ruins and virtually devoid of life.
Everywhere you look all you can see is fallen or damaged buildings.
There are fields full of cars crushed by falling masonary.