This is the story of when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Türkiye and northern and western Syria. Entire apartment blocks, schools, hospitals and homes crumbled.

Just hours later, a second earthquake, magnitude 7.5 struck again. The devastation was unimaginable.

Thousands lost their lives. Millions lost everything. But amid the heartbreak, help arrived. Local Red Crescent teams were on the ground within hours, supported by a global wave of compassion.

The scale of the crisis was immense and required an immediate fund raising response from Australian Red Cross, Red Crescent teams, other humanitarian actors, and government bodies.

Within 24 hours, Australian Red Cross marketing team launched a national fundraising appeal. Across social media, digital platforms, news outlets and direct channels. Sharing devastating stories, asking Australians to stand in compassion for those affected.

And they did.

But these were more than stories written about the disaster, they were stories of human compassion. Of people across borders and oceans coming together to help strangers in need. Thousands responded, giving what they could, sharing stories on social media, attending fundraisers, urging others to care on.

Government and corporate partners stepped in. Local businesses, schools and community groups rallied behind the cause. Media helped amplify the call. Together, every donor, supporter, partner and advocate helped raise vital funds for the emergency response on the ground.