GREAT Sankey South Cllr. Mo Hussain and a team of volunteers from Warrington have recently returned from a humanitarian mission to Turkey, to ensure aid collected locally reached victims of the earthquake disaster.
Cllr Hussain and the team visited the Hatay province in Antakya, Turkey which was the epicentre of the recent earthquake of 7.8 magnitude claiming the lives of over 45,000 people and affecting millions more. Leading up to the visit the team raised over £22,000 through the Muslim Community of Warrington and other fundraising events.
Cllr Hussain and Mohammed Maruf, the Imaam at Warrington Islamic Centre worked effortlessly to ensure that the money raised was 100% allocated to the victims of the earthquake. Creating hundreds of care packages that included sustainable food and essentials, as well as purchasing storage containers for the victims to be used as temporary accommodation. The secured containers are made to house a small family which includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a toilet.
Cllr Hussain said: “First of all, I would like to thank everyone in Warrington including the local community, councillors, friends and colleagues who came together to raise so much money amidst financial difficulties to support the victims of the earthquake. We couldn’t have completed the project without the help of Adana District Council and council official Mr Serkan Hepsag and Mr Onur Baki ,who provided us with transportation for the packages to be delivered to Hatay, and the local volunteers who helped pack and distribute the packages.
Cllr Hussain explained: “Having first-hand experience of seeing the aftermath of the devastation left by the earthquake, left me and the Imaam absolutely heartbroken. The sorrows and first-hand stories of so many families are those which will never be erased from my memory. The magnitude of the devastation is so severe that aid coming from us and various other communities and authorities only scratch the surface. In my opinion, it will take years and years for this province to be brought back to its original joy.”
Cllr Hussain thanked the people of Warrington for their donations.
Meanwhile, Cllr Sagheer Zaman who helped and supported the campaign in Warrington said: “Thank you to Cllr Mo Hussain and Imam Hafiz Mahroof for their fantastic efforts in going out to reach the victims, believe me it’s not easy to do this you have to plan the logistics, be mentally & physically strong.
“The people of Turkey & Syria have been through intense pain this past month, physical and emotional both! No one deserves to go through this.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Warrington community for their kindness and generosity with donations which have been overwhelming and inspiring.”
In recent months, the team has come together to raise over £50,000 for various other emergencies including the Pakistan floods, the Bangladesh floods, the Ukraine war and Afghanistan earthquake.
Cllr Hussain handing out aid
The devastation in Turkey
