More fashion companies have been responding to the earthquake disaster in southern Turkey and northern Syria where the official death toll has now passed 35,000 and – according to the UN – is likely to be at least double that.
French sporting goods and apparel retailer Decathlon has set up a “solidarity fund” of €1 million ($1.1m) to provide financial aid to NGOs actively involved in helping and supporting those affected.
This comes on top of €1 million ($1.1m) worth of warm clothes and winter equipment donated within the first 24 hours after a series of earthquakes hit the region.
Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola said: “The disaster in Turkey and Syria impacts us all. In the coming hours and days, we will keep on mobilizing with NGOs, other companies, our products, and teammates around the world. In the midst of this crisis, let’s stand together and unite in a sign of international friendship and solidarity.”
Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing is also donating €1 million ($1.1m) to provide emergency humanitarian aid and 40,000 items of winter clothing to the UNHCR refugee relief agency.
“Fast Retailing wishes to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and those affected by the earthquakes,” said a spokesperson.
Retailer Primark, along with parent company Associated British Foods, has donated £200,000 ($242,000) through its global partnership with UNICEF to support the emergency response.
“Our sincere condolences go to all those who have lost friends, relatives, and loved ones in this disaster. As a group, we are supporting our teams in Turkey, as well as our suppliers and business partners,” said a Primark spokesperson.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues and partners to understand the needs of those impacted and to provide additional support in the days and weeks ahead.”
French luxury group Kering, which owns brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen, said it was making an anonymous donation to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support the work of the emergency relief effort.
Last week we reported that Zara owner Inditex, Swedish fashion giant H&M, and Spanish brand Mango were contributing to humanitarian relief efforts following the disaster.
Industry initiatives including Better Cotton, the Fair Labor Association (FLA), and the Ethical Trading Initiative also issued advice and support to members affected by the tragedy.
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