Six Brussels municipalities organise collections for Morocco

Six municipalities in the Belgian capital are joining forces for a fundraiser following the deadly earthquake in Morocco.

Almost 3,000 people have died as a result of the earthquake and the neighbourhoods in Brussels, which are home to a large number of Moroccan immigrants, are collecting donations, Bruzz reports.

Anyone wishing to donate tents, mattresses, hygiene items, blankets or even emergency generators can take them to a warehouse in Anderlecht from Tuesday onwards.

“Together with the federal government, we are looking at how these items, after sorting, can be transported to Morocco,” explained Evere mayor Ridouane Chahid (PS).

The six neighbourhoods’ mayors have agreed to collect the material in one central location at Digue du Canal 8 in Anderlecht, although they are considering opening a second location next week, at the King Baudouin stadium.

People are asked not to bring clothing or perishable food, but canned food is welcome.

Consultations with the defence ministry are being held to see how items can be brought to the affected disaster area.

People can also donate money to the Red Cross, the mayors said, using the bank account number BE72 0000 0000 1616 with the word ‘Morocco’ in the description.

The initiative involves the City of Brussels, Evere, Koekelberg, Molenbeek, Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles.

The municipality of Saint-Josse is also opening a collection point on Rue Merino, according to its mayor Emir Kir.

Photo: Eric Lalmand/Belga