US$300,000 Contribution to Bridge to Turkiye Fund for Disaster Relief
Boston, Mass. – February 13, 2023 – GE and the GE Foundation today announced a US$300,000 contribution to provide immediate relief to the southeastern region of Turkey following devastation caused by a massive magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The donation from GE and GE Foundation to Bridge to Turkiye Fund, a volunteer-run philanthropy bridge between the United States and Turkey, will support a local disaster relief organization working to address immediate basic needs in the region.
To date, the earthquake caused over 30,000 casualties, severe damage, and disruption across the region, leaving many displaced and in need of immediate humanitarian relief. The funds will support efforts to provide basic needs of food, water, clothing, and shelter, as well as tend to the well-being of impacted children. In addition to the organization’s donation, GE employees can support relief efforts through its Matching Gifts Program.
“We are committed to help families recover from this devastating earthquake. Providing food, water, and shelter is vital in the aftermath of the earthquake and Bridge to Turkiye plays a critical role in lending a lifeline of financial support to help organizations on the ground start recovery efforts,” said Linda Boff, President of GE Foundation and Vice President of GE.
GE employees who make eligible donations to Bridge to Turkiye or other participating charities can register for a match with the GE Foundation’s Matching Gifts program, which supports employees’ personal philanthropy and charitable giving by providing a 1:1 match. The GE Foundation created the concept of a corporate matching gift program in 1954. Today, the program continues to serve as an important element of the Foundation’s portfolio, with gifts matched in 2021 totaling $6.2 million.
Emin Pamucak, President of Bridge to Turkiye, said: “BTF has immediately mobilized grassroot emergency response in providing support from abroad to alleviate the local pain and suffering in Southeastern Turkiye. We thank the entire GE Family for their generous support and big hearts in this difficult time. BTF will continue to deliver assistance for any humanitarian needs in the affected region of Turkiye.”
GE’s Disaster and Humanitarian Relief program responds to major global disasters and humanitarian crises, drawing on GE’s people, technology, and other resources to reduce suffering and hasten recovery. Since 2020, GE Foundation’s philanthropic contribution in disaster relief totaled nearly $7.2 million, which was largely focused on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, GE Foundation partnered with CARE to provide flood relief efforts in Nigeria. GE remains committed to preparing for and responding to future natural disasters and humanitarian crises, diligently maximizing the impact of our financial, technological, and human resources.
About Bridge to Turkiye Fund
Formed in 2003, BTF is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to building international capacity and volunteering for underserved segments in Turkiye. Our team is dedicated to making a difference, improving life, and cultivating social change for the common good. BTF raises funds to provide philanthropic and humanitarian assistance, primarily for Children’s Education and Healthcare programs designed and carried out by BTF's team and local partners. In times of need, BTF also acts as a reputable and trusted grassroots philanthropic bridge between the United States and Turkiye to assist people impacted by natural disasters. Learn more at https://bridgetoturkiye.org/
About the GE Foundation
The GE Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE, is committed to transforming our communities and shaping the diverse workforce of tomorrow by leveraging the power of GE. Through Next Engineers, we are increasing the diversity of young people in engineering. In our hometown of Boston, we are working to improve workforce diversity, attack the opioid crisis, and drive STEM education in public schools. We are also inspiring others to act by connecting GE people with communities through our Matching Gifts Program and Disaster Relief. Learn more at www.gefoundation.com or follow us on Twitter at @GE_Foundation.
GE Turkey
Ozlem Aksoy
[email protected]
GE Foundation
Jeff Caywood
[email protected]