Focus on Syria
For 11 long years, conflicts have killed many Syrian women and children. 6.9 million people have been displaced and 6.8 million people were forced to leave their homes and country. Due to the conflict the standards of living in Syria are very bad. Many women and children do not have access to water, electricity, food, and education. This inaccessibility puts children at risk of contracting waterborne diseases, such as, Cholera and Hepatitis A. They do not even have access to proper medical aid as only 59% of hospitals are functional.
After the 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit northwest Syria, the situation only worsened. More than 1,700 buildings have been destroyed and more than 8,500 buildings have been partially destroyed.
Today, 4.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. This earthquake also hit four camps where 62,000 Palestinian refugees were located with 90% of them estimated to be in need. More than 11,000 people in the region are homeless. Due to the harsh winter conditions, shelter is the number one need in Syria.
We are teaming up with Icna Relief to provide medical supplies to clinics and blankets and tents for the homeless in the middle of winter. Below is a complete list of long-term care that Islamic Relief has been providing for Syria.
Islamic Relief Interventions:
- Food Aid
- Access to Water
- Sanitation
- Hygiene
- Other emergency items (Blankets, mattresses, tents, heating materials)
Focus on Turkey
Turkey is the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. The Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change said that as of February 23, 164,431 buildings have collapsed or have been heavily damaged due to the earthquake. 4.6 million children and more are located in the earthquake affected areas. The damages are estimated to cost $34.2 billion dollars. In this time of need ICNA Relief is offering cash vouchers, so victims can meet immediate needs. They have also provided food, healthcare, and education aid for Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
Marketing Initiatives
1. Word of Mouth: We asked our friends and family to donate and spread the word of our campaign. Around the masjid and school we hung up flyers with information about the crisis, different ways to help, and a QR code with the link to donate to the Crowdfund page. [We also created stickers to give out to those who donated as featured below]. On Jummah and after Sunday school, we asked the imam to make an announcement to donate to our crowdfunding page.
2. Online Promotions: We have created Instagram posts about the crisis of Syria and Turkey with information on how IRUSA is helping. We also started a challenge on social media called [Stack for Syria and Turkey/Show up for Syria and Turkey]. Essentially the challenge is having people stack as many of one of the items that Syria and Turkey are in need of (e.g. flashlights, water, toothpaste, canned foods) in 15 seconds. For each item the person will donate an amount they decided at the beginning. Below is a script of what a possible video would like. These promotions will be reposted and asking others to join the challenge and donate to the crowdfund.
3. Support from Businesses and other Groups: Many businesses have shown their support for Syria and Turkey. We plan to go around to Muslim owned businesses in the community and ask them to either allow us to keep a change jar for donations to the cause or to put up flyers. There are also many clubs and students in the school who are raising money for Syria and Turkey through bake sales and other forms and will advertise to them that they can donate a portion of their profits to the crowdfund.
4. Goods and Services: Throughout the months of April and May we plan to hold events to raise money and awareness for our cause. Some events would include bake sales to be held in school and after Jummah. Selling raffle tickets for a gift basket to be given out at the monthly Halaqa in the mosque.
Campaign Goals
Specific: We want to raise at least $500 by May 2023 toward aiding the emergency in Turkey and Syria.
Measurable: Through the use of Islamic Relief’s site we will be able to see the progress of our goal. In addition to the progress we will see if we achieved it by receiving engagement of our events and fundraisers.
Achievable: So many people want to help and know if they were put in the situation would want help. People care and especially with social media and a large community it is easy to advertise and share our goals so others can help us reach it.
Realistic: This goal is meant to help thousands of people in need and is a very real situation in need of help. Our access to Islamic Relief, social media, and people are all helping factors.
Time-bound: Our goal will do good by helping people and we will be able to reach our goal because of dedication and our community.
