Morocco earthquake: Calls for donations to medical relief convoy

A humanitarian convoy taking much-needed medical and mobility equipment to Morocco to help those affected by a deadly earthquake is being organised for early October.

People are being urged to donate items such as crutches and wheelchairs towards the initiative which has been organised by the Moroccan community in Maidenhead with the help of Slough-based charity Global Helping Hands.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco on Friday, September 8. The death toll has reached almost 3,000.

Imad Bouklata, a member of the Moroccan community in Maidenhead, told the Advertiser how some of his extended family back in the North African country had seen their homes severely damaged by the natural disaster.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the 31-year-old started fundraising to pay for essential items including non-perishable food, blankets, 15 tents and household items.

These have already been delivered to the towns of Imindounit and Assif El Mal.

Imad said the second phase was to provide practical help for the injured.

He added: “I’ve seen loads of people sending donations, but almost no-one is sending mobility equipmen.”.

“We are seeing thousands of injured people after the earthquake – broken arms, broken legs, maybe more severe injuries – and these crutches and wheelchairs and other mobility equipment will definitely be needed.”

The medical-relief convoy, which is planning to go to Morocco in early October, will mainly focus on delivering both mobility equipment and clinical equipment such as bandages and first aid items.

Working in partnership with Morocco-based charity the Assalam Foundation for Social Development, the convoy is hoping to reach impacted villages with the essential items.

Imad, a software engineer, said the initiative is also aiming to provide long-term support for victims and help people refurbish or rebuild their homes.

He added that they will also be working with specific families to ‘get them back on track’ either by helping them to start generating income again or providing support with housing.

So far, 20 wheelchairs and just over 200 crutches have been donated and people are being encouraged to donate any used crutches, Zimmer frames or wheelchairs. Imad is hoping to reach a target of obtaining 50 wheelchairs.

Donations of any winter clothing still in good condition are also welcomed.

He added: “These are very crucial items.

“At the moment we have thousands and thousands of injured people from the earthquake and knowing the situation in Morocco, knowing the lack of such equipment, not everyone will get one.

“There is a huge need especially for crutches, these are needed so much over there.”

To donate items towards the convoy, call Imad directly at 07796174843.

To view the fundraiser by the Moroccan community in Maidenhead, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuild-homes-restore-hope-morocco-earthquake

Global Helping Hand’s fundraiser can be viewed at: https://ghh.org.uk/emergency/