The death toll from Monday's deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria is now at more than 22,000 and rising.
Manitobans wanting to know how they can help out are being given that opportunity through Canadian Red Cross. Spokesperson Jason Small says the best way to assist is by making a donation to the Red Cross appeal fund.
"The Canadian Red Cross currently has a fund that we're raising money for to help the folks who have been impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria," he explains.
Donations can be made online by visiting www.redcross.ca or by calling their toll-free number 1-800-418-1111.
The Government of Canada has announced that every donation made by individuals to Canadian Red Cross between February 6th and 22nd will be matched, up to a maximum of $10 million.
Small says the money they raise will be used to help the Red Cross movement, providing immediate relief as well as ongoing recovery efforts and resiliency as they move through the days and weeks after the disaster.
According to Small, the Canadian Red Cross will have personnel on the ground shortly, if not already. He notes they are ready to deploy a variety of resources including personnel, relief items, and emergency units as needed.
"Right now, we're just prepared to help both the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Red Crescent with whatever help they might need," he adds.
Small notes the Turkish Red Crescent is supporting their country with search and rescue, psychosocial support, first aid, and providing relief kits such as water and blankets. He says the Syrian Arab Red Crescent already has 3,500 personnel from that country mobilized and is providing a variety of first aid, emergency medical evacuations and other assistance.
Small says Canadian Red Cross has its mobile hospital prepared and ready to go if they get that request.
"We're preparing to provide assistance because we know that there is a good chance that more help will be needed," he adds. "This is just really the beginning. So, we've got our resources ready to go whenever they need it."
Small says Canadian Red Cross does not have a specific goal of how much money it is hoping to raise through this cause. Rather, he notes they just want to encourage people to make a donation and help the people in Turkey and Syria. He notes the best way to show support is through financial donations and not the donation of goods.
"It's much easier to use the money to get the resources we need right there instead of storing and transporting goods that often are not usable," he explains. "We understand donations of goods are always well-intentioned, but this is the best way to help people out."