Retailers in the Middle East are pledging support to the victims of the earthquake that hit parts of Syria and Turkey on February 6, which has reported to have killed more than 40,000 people so far.
Part of these efforts is local retailer Majid Al Futtaim, which has announced a $1 million aid package to Turkey and Syria relief efforts.
The support will be split evenly between monetary and in-kind donations of essential items through Carrefour in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent’s “Bridges of Giving” campaign.
Meanwhile, UAE retailer Union Coop has announced discounts on basic items for people who are involved in the ongoing relief work for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
In a statement, the hypermarket chain said that it would provide a provisional discount of 25 per cent on basic and other food and non-food products for all concerned parties who are involved in humanitarian and charitable assistance and relief work.
Apart from this, UAE grocery stores such as Carrefour, Union Coop, and cooperative societies teamed up with with the Abu Dhabi based Emirates Red Crescent to set up donation sites.
In Abu Dhabi, Carrefour on Airport road and the Al Ain Coop warehouse are functioning as donation sites.
In Sharjah, the cooperative societies in Helwan and Al Dhaid are also such sites, apart from the Lulu Hypermarket in Al Hazana.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Manar Mall, Al Hamra Mall, Al Naeem City Center, LuLu Hypermarket in RAK Mall and Ras Al Khaimah Cooperative Society are also working with ERC to send aid to Syria and Turkey.
Kuwaiti retailer Al Shaya Group, which manages brands such as Mothercare, American Eagle, Debenhams and Harvey Nichols among others. It is partnering with Starbucks, which it also manages to send aid to the affected countries.
In a blog post published on Thursday, Starbucks stated that along with its franchiser Al Shaya Group, Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Corporation will together donate a total of $1 million to nonprofits focused on providing immediate relief and aid. Among them are the Red Cross’ global Red Crescent teams, World Central Kitchen, the International Rescue Committee, and the Planet Water Foundation.
Starbucks added that it operates more than 600 stores in Turkey, and that it is “working closely with our licensee and local leadership to ensure our partners and their families are cared for.”
