A solidarity Initiative For the Victims of the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have launched a solidarity initiative to collect donations to help those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. All proceeds will be donated to Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, a non-governmental organization (NGO), which responds to the Humanitarian Coalition’s appeals in earthquake situations.

Fundraising is part of the current Lenten campaign of the NGO. Organized by the Quebec Provincial Administration, members of the lay staff of the SNJM General Administration, along with the Sisters and the French-speaking affiliates collected a substantial sum. The SNJM English-speaking affiliates and Sisters raised $450 at a gathering on Saturday, March 11.

Awareness activities

Along with this, information activities on the annual campaign of Development and Peace (D&P) are underway. Julie Tétreault and Marianne Daudelin, as well as Sr. Jeanne Dagenais, have shared the details of the campaign with the members of the SNJM Quebec Justice and Peace Committee. They will continue their awareness work with the Sisters of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM) on March 21.

Also of note is the traditional hunger meal to be held on March 29 at MJM during which a time of reflection is planned. All monies collected will be sent to D&P.

The NGO has been involved since the first days of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and has donated $75,000. D&P is working in collaboration with Caritas Syria to deliver all possible aid to the affected populations in Aleppo and Lattakia. The NGO is also in contact with humanitarian organizations in Turkey that are coordinating actions with the Turkish government.

The SNJM’s have long supported Development and Peace in its successive campaigns to help marginalized populations and earthquake victims.