Hilversum transfers 50,000 euros to Giro555. Mayor Gerhard van den Top announced this this afternoon during the benefit meeting in the Bethlehemkerk. Due to the catastrophic consequences of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the municipality wants to make “an extraordinary gesture”, as the mayor indicated.
In the full church, Van den Top said that the mayor, aldermen and the city council want to make a contribution in this ‘exceptional case’. This means that Hilversum will transfer half a ton to help the victims in the disaster area and at the same time participate in the reconstruction.
Donating money to the victims in the earthquake area in Turkey and Syria was a hot topic in ‘t Gooi last week. Despite the call from the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) to deposit one euro per inhabitant per municipality, this has not been done in Gooise Meren, Laren and Huizen, for example. There were political initiatives and requests in the municipalities to comply with this request, but it was ultimately decided not to release local community funds for the people in Turkey and Syria.
Sometimes dozens
The benefit meeting in the Hilversum church was organized by a small group of residents. In addition to collecting money for the victims of the disaster area, the main purpose this afternoon is to offer comfort and support. Van den Top repeated that message this afternoon, precisely because several people in Hilversum of the Turkish and Syrian community have lost family. “Sometimes dozens,” he said.
On behalf of the Turkish community in Hilversum, Ramazan Deniz expressed his gratitude for all the help and support provided. The chairman of Milli Görüs Hilversum reported that initiatives such as the benefit meeting ‘give hope to help each other’.
Same values
He also spoke about lessons to be learned from the natural disaster that took place in the early hours of February 6. “Our differences are irrelevant,” says Deniz. “We all share the same human values and vulnerabilities. We must work together as humanity and we must protect and promote these values.”
Although there have been many initiatives in Hilversum and also nationally to collect goods and money, the mayor called on those present to donate money if they had not already done so.
He also once again praised the strength of Hilversum society. Just as with the reception of Ukrainians and other refugees, he again sees Hilversum residents taking action and offering support. “Know that Hilversum is around you and sympathizes with you”, was his message to the Turkish and Syrian communities.