Kilkenny native spearheading major earthquake donation appeal - click for link to donate!

A group of leading Irish humanitarian organisations have launched a joint-appeal calling on the Irish public, including people in Kilkenny, to help support the thousands impacted by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Amongst those leading the appeal is Head of Communications with Trócaire, Kilkenny native Miriam Donohoe, who spoke of the difference that donations can make.

Gardaí investigate criminal damage at Kilkenny home

"People's lives have been decimated, with the current death toll standing at over 16,000 people," she said.

"The level of injury and loss on top of the loss of life is hard to process. Thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, have collapsed and infrastructure has been badly damaged. 

"The Irish Emergency Alliance member-NGOs and their local partners have been amongst the first responders, working with locally-led relief efforts.

"It’s vital that we keep receiving donations so that we can provide support and goods where our teams on the ground advise the needs are most acute.

The lost village of Ballybought in the city of Kilkenny

"Immediate priorities are medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, heaters for safe spaces and winter kits with blankets, and warm clothes, and ensuring people have food and clean water.

"Our teams are also providing vital hygiene kits to help desperate families to stay healthy."

To donate, CLICK HERE or call 1800 939 979.