Bpost collects 171 tonnes of aid for earthquake victims in Turkey

Bpost's aid campaign for earthquake victims in Turkey has generated 171 tonnes of basic necessities, a press release from the postal company said on Thursday. The 656 post offices in Belgium served as drop-off points for donations from 21 February to 31 March.

Nine trucks have transported food, hygiene products and blankets to Istanbul. There, the Turkish postal company Ptt As took over to distribute the goods to the people most in need. Another 11 trucks are due to leave for Turkey in the coming days.

70 per cent of all donations came from Belgian individuals, while the other 30 per cent was donated by companies. "Mutual aid and solidarity are strong values that bpost promotes," said Jos Donvil, CEO of bpost Belgium. "We can be proud of our logistical strength."

The director general of the Turkish postal company, Hakan Gülten, is grateful for the donations and solidarity. "The support helps us enormously to get through this difficult time."

Turkey and Syria were hit by devastating earthquakes in February, which killed more than 57,000 people and injured another 100,000. In total, more than 15 million people were affected by the earthquakes.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JONAS D'HOLLANDER}