EasyJet has become the latest travel company to launch an appeal to help charities working in regions hit by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
From Saturday (February 11), easyJet will make emergency onboard collections to raise funds for Unicef’s Turkey and Syria emergency earthquake appeal.
Donations will go directly towards the emergency appeal supporting children and their families in the region who need it the most.
Airlines are offering free evacuation flights for survivors of Monday’s earthquakes in Turkey and operators such as Intrepid Travel have set up appeals.
News of the mercy flights came as the death toll hit neared 16,000 across the affected areas of southern Turkey and northern Syria.
The budget carrier said that Unicef is particularly concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children who have lost their homes, separated from their families, with no access to food or water supplies and left out in the freezing cold.
The child rights organisation is working in the region to protect the safety, health and welfare of children.
The in-flight collections will take place across easyJet’s network over the next two weeks, offering more than 2.7 million passengers across 36 countries the opportunity to donate.
EasyJet has partnered with Unicef for more than a decade and will support the charity’s latest emergency appeal following a successful Ukraine appeal last year, which raised more than £800,000 for children and their families affected by the war in Ukraine.
Over the last 10 years, easyJet’s customers have raised more than £16 million through onboard donations.
Michael Brown, cabin services director, commented: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the devasting impact of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“We would like to thank our customers in advance for any onboard donations for Unicef’s emergency appeal and for their generosity and kindness.
“Their support will help Unicef and their volunteers to provide a lifeline in the region for the children and families who have been affected.
“We’d also like to thank our fantastic crew who make these collections possible, who are always passionate about going the extra mile to raise money for Unicef and the vital work they do.”
Jon Sparkes, Unicef UK chief executive, thanked easyJet, adding: “These are the most powerful earthquakes to hit the region in almost 100 years and came at the worst possible time for vulnerable children and their families.
“By supporting Unicef’s appeal, easyJet is helping to provide access to emergency supplies.”