Kitchener organizations partner for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria – Kitchener | 24CA News
Local organizations are coming collectively this weekend to boost cash for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria.
A meal is being ready by the chef and proprietor of Kitchener’s Queen Shawarma Turkish Cuisine, Sariye Sindy.
One of the organizers of the KW VegFest, Mo Markham, says Sindy got here up with the thought after visiting household in Turkey.
“I didn’t realize she was in Turkey when the earthquakes began. She was with two of her daughters, her daughter-in-law and one of her grandbabies,” Markham mentioned.
Markham mentioned Sindy has contributed to the group’s local weather initiative occasions and all the VegFest occasions, and she or he needed to do one thing to assist individuals again house after she noticed how they have been dwelling.
“I talked to others in the community and we came together to put on this dinner, which Sariye and her husband Karim are cooking for. We really hope our region will come forward and help people overseas as much as possible.”
To set up the fundraiser, KW VegFest collaborated with the Grand River Friendship Society / the Intercultural Dialogue Institute and the Community Kitchen Co-operative of Ok-W.
Markham mentioned Sunday’s fundraiser is meant not solely to boost cash for the survivors within the two international locations, however to boost consciousness too.
It can be private for Markham as she misplaced her house to a fireplace final 12 months.
She mentioned individuals can nonetheless overcome tragedies by means of neighborhood help.
“It was humbling for us to have all of this help offered from total strangers and I know people over there are appreciating every little bit of help that people can offer,” she mentioned.
Since the primary earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria within the early morning hours of Feb. 6, there have been greater than 10,000 aftershocks. The loss of life toll has risen to greater than 50,000 and practically two million are homeless.
Relief organizations estimate that greater than 800,000 youngsters and greater than 300,000 pregnant girls, together with numerous aged and disabled individuals, are among the many survivors.
The KW VegFest is among the web sites you may go to for those who want to register for seats and donate. There can be an occasion web page on Facebook.
The funds raised will likely be despatched to the Canadian Red Cross for earthquake reduction efforts. The Friendship Society may even subject tax receipts for donations.
The dinner begins at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Kitchener.
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