Endless games, deodorant and clothes. The Osdorp fundraiser for earthquake victims in Morocco was a great success. It was so successful that the organization imposed a temporary donation moratorium. Moroccan and Islamic organizations are now holding consultations to coordinate various aid initiatives.
“You wouldn’t film it all like that, right?!” In bridal designer Siham’s tidy shop in Osdorp, there is hardly a floor to be seen. Everything is hidden from view by sacks and trash bags filled with clothes, shampoo bottles, toys and other relief items for Moroccan earthquake victims.
Stop donating
Siham and the other volunteers can’t handle the constant stream of donated materials. “We’ve also put a hold on donations,” she says, trying to fit a thick winter coat into the trash bag. “Now we are focusing on triage. And then they won’t have to do that in Morocco.”
Over the weekend, the first truck was almost full with supplies. Huda al-Wakili lives near Seham’s store and heard about the group from a relative. “This businessman has made collections before, like with the earthquake in Turkey.” After the initial inventory, Huda had a pretty good idea of what items were needed. “Now we mainly think of diapers, blankets, pillows and mattresses. We have enough clothes.”
discussion
Consultations are also underway to simplify and harmonize all procedures. Representatives of the various organizations will meet at the Houla mosque in the north on Sunday afternoon. “For emergency aid, and also for reconstruction,” says Ashraf El Gohary. “Entire villages have been wiped out, in a very difficult area.”
In addition to all the private initiatives, it is likely that the organizations present will collaborate on one major relief operation, El Gohary says. “To make sure that we can deliver aid as efficiently as possible.”
