Amsterdam, Feb. 16, (dpa/GNA) – Private donations have raised around €89 million ($95 million) in the Netherlands in a daylong campaign backed by national broadcasters.
Celebrities joined in promoting the campaign, and the account will remain open for any further donations. The Dutch government is donating €10 million, in addition to the emergency assistance already provided.
The money is to be spent, on food, shelter and medical care for victims in the quake-hit region in southern Turkey and Syria.
Donation campaigns under the name “Giro555” have a long tradition in the Netherlands. The largest amount collected in a single day was €208 million for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
GNA