FedEx has committed more than US$1m worth of in-kind shipping to support those affected by the earthquakes in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria.
The company chartered a FedEx MD-11 of dedicated relief to fly overnight (on Tuesday, Feb 21) from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Istanbul in Turkey. This was the fifth consecutive flight taking place from February 17-21 delivering approximately 230 metric tons of relief supplies including tents, blankets and baby items, household supplies and hygiene kits from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
FedEx also donated US$100,000 on February 8 to the American Red Cross to support recovery efforts in Turkey and Syrian communities. The donation is intended to provide support and aid, such as: distributing essentials like first aid, food, water and blankets; setting up temporary shelters; and providing psychological support and medical aid. The company has also delivered critical humanitarian supplies from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Turkey to Malatya city in Turkey on behalf of the Istanbul Governorship and local municipality, including food supplies from Umursan Un and clothing donated by local residents.
During the week of February 13, 2023, FedEx provided shipping support for Canadian disaster-relief organization GlobalMedic, including the delivery of AquaResponse3 Water Purification Units to feeding centers in the affected area of Turkey. The postal company also worked with USA-based World Central Kitchen to ship aid from Madrid, Spain, and Capitol Heights, Maryland, USA, to Adana, Turkey. The flights included a deployable kitchen unit, kitchen supplies and operations kits.
Raj Subramaniam, president and CEO of FedEx, said, “FedEx is committed to helping the many communities impacted by the earthquakes during this incredibly difficult time. We are inspired by the heroic work of first responders and humanitarian organizations and grateful to use our global network to donate flights, logistics support, and aid to advance recovery, rebuilding and relief in the region.”