The City of Kitchener is supporting local members of the Turkish community with aid efforts in response to the recent earthquake along the Turkish-Syrian border. This tragic earthquake has impacted millions of people and killed more than 17,000 people in the region thus far. 

Beginning today, residents wishing to donate supplies for people affected by the earthquake can drop them off at various City facilities, including:     

  • Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen’s Boulevard, Kitchener (Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
  • Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre, 141 Morgan Ave., Kitchener (Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
  • Kitchener Fire Department Headquarters, 270 Strasburg Rd, Kitchener (Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
  • Kitchener Market, 300 King Street East (Saturdays, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

The sites will be available for donation drop-offs for approximately two weeks.  

“We live in an interconnected world where people from around the globe have made their homes in Kitchener. When tragedy strikes in faraway cities and villages, it is felt deeply by our friends and neighbours,” said Kitchener Mayor, Berry Vrbanovic. “Our hearts go out to local residents who have loved ones in Turkey, Syria and beyond who are impacted by this disaster. We are pleased to be able to collaborate with community members in their aid efforts.”    

Volunteers will be screening donations and preparing them for transport to Turkey, said local guitarist  Juneyt, who is helping lead local support efforts on behalf of the Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada, the Grand River Friendship Society and the Turkish Society of Waterloo Region. 

“Our community is doing whatever we can to help our families, friends and people who are injured and homeless because of this tragedy,” Juneyt said. “People have lost everything. We need to do what we can to ease their pain.”  

The folklore society is asking for donations of: 

  • winter clothing (jackets, coats, boots, hats, gloves, etc.)
  • tents 
  • mats and mattresses for tents 
  • blankets and sleeping bags 
  • reusable water bottles 
  • flashlights without batteries 
  • personal hygiene products 
  • canned food and baby formula 

Please note that large/heavy items and items not on this list may not be accepted by volunteers. 

For regular updates, visit the Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada on Facebook

Financial donations can be made through the Canadian Red Cross (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies), the UNHCR or your charity of choice. 

For more information, contact:  

Bethany Rowland  
Director, Corporate Communications & Marketing  
Bethany.rowland@kitchener.ca  

Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada 
Juneyt 
519-589-8592 

Can Gürsöz 
289-219-0093