The Southend West MP is rallying support behind the people of Turkey and Syria following the major earthquake in February, which has sadly taken the lives of over 50,000 people and created damages of over $100 billion so far.
During two major events across Southend and Westminster over the last week, Anna made the important case for the UK standing up for the most vulnerable on the international stage and being a responsible world leader.
On the 10th of March, she visited the Kings Road United Reformed Church for a musical performance by Southend Choirs, Southend Wind Orchestra, and Cantare.
Although admission was free of charge, voluntary donations amounted to £1611 from an estimate of over 200 people in attendance. This money will be sent to the Disaster Emergency Committee to help over 18 million people impacted.
Following this event, Anna then took the stories of Southend’s generosity to Westminster as she spoke with Cabinet Minister Greg Hands on the importance of helping the victims of the earthquake, just as we have done in Ukraine, at a Conservative Friends of Turkey event on Monday the 13th.
Anna said,
“The situation in Turkey and Syria is truly dreadful, and I cannot imagine the pain they are all suffering as their countries recover from such a terrible natural disaster.”
“However, the people of Southend have shown once again that they stand shoulder to shoulder with the international community, and those that need desperate support. It really is an honour to be a part of that."
Rosemary Pennington of Southend Choirs, who help organise the event said,
“Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs were delighted to be able to arrange a concert to raise much needed funds for the DEC Turkey – Syria Earthquake Appeal.”
“We had over 70 young singers, aged 8 – 28, who took part in the concert, which was arranged at less than 3 weeks’ notice, and the evening raised £1,611 to date. We would like to thank everyone who took part in this and everyone who supported it.”
