Turkish TV stations raise US$73.8m for quake victims

Friday 28 Oct 2011
Several Turkish broadcasters have collectively raised 129 million Turkish lire (US$73.8 million) for victims of last Sunday’s earthquake, Today’s Zaman reports.
 

Many TV and radio stations participated in a joint telethon on Wednesday night. Broadcast live, the programme One heart for Van was broadcast on several major channels. Personalities from several popular TV series and shows participated in the telethon.

Proceeds from the campaign will be donated to Prime Minister Recep Tayy1p Erdo an’s Van Earthquake Humanitarian Assistance fund. Mr Erdo an himself phoned in to thank callers for their generosity.

Another telethon was organised by the Samanyolu Media Group and charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) on Tuesday night. Many well-known political, arts and sports figures demonstrated their support for the eastern Turkey victims through both financial contributions and their participation in the telethon.

More than 9,000 people donated via text messages during a live fundraising telecast on local Samonyolu TV channels and radio stations. Audiences were touched by a group of young children who had emptied their money boxes to donate towards the fundraiser.