Kim Woo-young Gwanggyo Column The Sim Jae-deok Memorial Foundation Sent 120 Portable Toilets to Turkey

Following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on February 6th, Korea's government and citizens continue extending aid to Turkey. Truly worthy of our ‘brother nation’ status.

Support from Suwon City and its residents also continues unabated. After Suwon Special City and the City Council delivered emergency relief funds of $100,000 (126 million won) to the Turkish Embassy in Korea, the Suwon Volunteer Center, with sponsorship from Yanco Social Cooperative, the Suwon Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Disabled, and Suwon Goodwill Store, shipped 3.5 tons of supplies requested by Turkey—including clothing and diapers. The Suwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry also donated 10 million won.

Suwon City civil servants, cooperative agency staff, and 16 organizations including Suwon New Village Movement, Suwon Women's Advisory Committee, Yeongdeung Development Alliance, and Maetan 3-dong Organization Leaders Council sent 74.63 million won. Fourteen organizations and groups including the Consumer Education Central Association Suwon Branch, Samanisa, Legal Culture Academy Citizen Law School, and the Korean Women's Association Suwon Branch provided 16.5 tons of supplies including clothing, diapers, sanitary pads, tents, food, heating supplies, and sleeping bags. Additionally, many citizens and businesses chose not to merely watch the misfortune of our brother nation's people.

And this time, a distinctive relief item was delivered. The Sim Jae-deok Memorial Foundation (Chairman Seon Jeong-seon) provided 120 portable toilets for shipment.

Upon hearing of the severe toilet shortage in Turkey's disaster area, Shim Young-chan, eldest son of the late former Mayor Sim Jae-deok and Vice Chairman of the Sim Jae-deok Memorial Foundation (WTA Director), readily donated 40 million won to WTA. The Sim Jae-deok Memorial Foundation also contributed 20 million won, totaling 60 million won.

Former Mayor Sim Jae-deok had always maintained great interest in Turkey during his lifetime. Mayor Sim visited and comforted Niazi Aslantash, a Korean War veteran from Yalova, who was 70 years old at the time (now deceased). Aslantash had participated in the Battle of Yongneup's Gimlyangjang-ri during the Korean War and was bedridden with complete paralysis and aphasia. Upon hearing of his wish to visit Korea before his death, Mayor Sim brought earth from the Gimlyangjang-ri area in Yongneup and gave it to him. Aslantash reportedly wept and held the earth close to his chest. This became the catalyst for establishing sister-city relations with Yalova on June 11, 1999.

When Yalova, a sister city of Suwon, was hit by a major earthquake, Suwon dispatched an emergency large-scale medical support team that moved the Turkish people deeply. Subsequently, Suwon City also built public toilets for Yalova.

WTA coordinated with the Turkish Embassy and urgently purchased 120 portable toilets to meet immediate needs, deciding to ship them to Turkey.

On the 29th and 30th, 40 portable toilets each totaling 80 units arrived at Incheon New Port and were received at the Turkey Earthquake Disaster Relief Supply Logistics Center, with an additional 40 units sent on the 31st, bringing the total of 120 portable toilets to Turkey.

When earthquakes or large-scale disasters occur, numerous displaced persons face problems in medical care, food, and housing, requiring urgent assistance. Another concern is sanitary conditions that lead to infectious diseases along with toilet shortages. In Turkey's current disaster area, there is reportedly an absolute shortage of sanitary toilets.

One broadcaster reported the shocking news that people must even push aside bodies on the streets to relieve themselves. For disaster victims exposed to illness amid cold, hunger, and unsanitary conditions, access to toilets is as urgent as food, shelter, and medical services.

As Chairman Seon Jeong-seon of the Sim Jae-deok Memorial Foundation wishes, it is hoped that the 120 portable toilets donated this time will help improve sanitary conditions and suppress infectious diseases in Turkey's disaster areas, if only slightly.

One hundred twenty portable toilets is not insignificant. However, for over 10 million displaced persons, more toilets are needed. It would be welcome if government support for WTA becomes available.