One Year Later: Doosan Bobcat Helped to Restore 553 Local Businesses in Earthquake-affected Türkiye
Published: Feb 6, 2024 Reading time: 5 minutes
Last year, in partnership with People in Need, a leading humanitarian relief organisation, Doosan Bobcat launched an €800,000 grant to help restart Türkiye's local economy and community life.
Severe earthquakes that happened on 6 February 2023 in Türkiye had devastating consequences on more than 9 million people, with over 240,000 buildings damaged or destroyed.
At that time, Doosan Bobcat provided immediate help with its construction equipment and offered humanitarian aid to earthquake-affected areas by funding local nano- and micro-enterprises with a total value of €800,000 through an early recovery project.
The funding’s intention is to restore small businesses in order to provide services that are critical for the reconstruction process and the re-establishment of the local economy. As part of its commitment to support locally, the company has been partnering with People in Need, a humanitarian relief organisation with global reach and a well-established presence in the affected areas.
553 businesses supported in the first year
“In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Southeast Türkiye, Doosan Bobcat committed to assist nano- and micro-enterprises in restoring their businesses. In partnership with People in Need, we have successfully extended aid to 553 businesses, fostering the revival of vital connections and the fortification of local value chains. This ongoing initiative is poised to reach hundreds of businesses and positively impact the lives of thousands of people,” said Scott Park, Vice Chairman and CEO at Doosan Bobcat.
Empowering communities to recover and rebuild
“Doosan Bobcat has demonstrated its commitment to empowering communities to recover and rebuild. In partnership with People in Need, Doosan Bobcat is providing essential financial support to small businesses that are the backbone of the local economy. This funding is helping local people and their businesses resume operations and provide essential services to their communities. Since the start of the program, our funding has helped over 500 businesses and more than 2000 individuals,” said Šimon Pánek, Director and Co-Founder of People in Need.
Volkan used to have a three-story lighting showroom that was reduced to rubble. He refused to let the tragedy define his future. Venturing into the new marketplace, Volkan reopened his shop, ready to contribute to Adıyaman's recovery. People in Need recognised Volkan's resilience and offered a timely cash grant, allowing him to replenish his lighting supplies and jumpstart his business once again. As Volkan's clientele grew, so did his optimism:
"Though I experienced a complete loss, my hope remains intact. I'm steadfast in my commitment to regain what I've lost,” said Volkan.“Despite the sorrows and challenges, my outlook is positive. I'm a strong woman and I will do whatever it takes to support my family and achieve our dreams. The grant was like a medicine for me—a lifeline—it allowed me to purchase the necessary equipment and tools for my shop, along with the materials needed for toasts. I was able to stand on my feet again.”
“All the stories that we hear from the beneficiaries of the early recovery project illustrate the resilience and determination, values that we hold dear. Our donation has already made a huge impact by restarting people’s businesses and creating job opportunities to help the local communities return to their everyday lives. It is through these partnerships that we can make a real difference,” said Gary Hornbacher, President of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region at Doosan Bobcat.
About People In Need
People in Need organisation was established in 1992 and gradually became one of the biggest non-profit organisations in Central Europe, striving to provide aid in war zones, areas affected by natural disasters, or places where people without support struggle to break the vicious cycle of poverty. Relief and Development Department of People in Need operates in 27 countries, each year we carry out projects worth millions of Euros that help hundreds of thousands of people in disadvantaged areas of the world.
About Bobcat
Since 1958, Bobcat has empowered people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation, delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a global dealership network, Bobcat offers an extensive line of worksite solutions, including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, forklifts and industrial vehicles, portable power, tractors, mowers, turf renovation equipment, light compaction, attachments, implements, parts and services. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat, Inc., a company within the Doosan Group.
About Doosan Bobcat
Doosan Bobcat is a company within the Doosan Group. Doosan Group is a top-tier global enterprise proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century. Doosan Bobcat is based in Bundang, South Korea.
For more information about Bobcat and its products, visit www.bobcat.com
