TWO Turkish men who have made Donegal their home have started collections for their native country which has been hit by devastating earthquakes.
Turkish barbers Sahabettin Kurt and Melvut Kus who are both living in Donegal have organised for collections in their respective barbers in Letterkenny and Kerrykeel.
Sahabettin, has been living in Donegal for almost seven years but still has family living in a village in Mardin, Turkey.
Thankfully, his family have not been harmed in the earthquake however, he still wants to do all he can to help the people at home.
Natalie Kurt, Sahabettin’s wife said she and her husband are devastated to see the extent of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and are hoping the collections will help.
“Mardin felt the earthquake but has not been impacted to the same extent as some of the other cities.
“It is around an hour and a half drive to some of the cities impacted from Mardin but Sahabettin is devastated to see all of the pictures and footage of the damage the earthquakes caused.
“We feel like we are not able to do anything so the best thing we can do is to raise awareness and to help raise funds for the affected areas.
“We are going to send parcels over but we are also hoping to raise money because we can send it over directly and it will be instantly used to help those who need it.
“He is also saving up all his tips and will send them over too,” said Natalie.
Sahabettin and Natalie are collecting winter clothes, food, baby food, hygiene products and money. More information is available on the Studio 47 Facebook Page.
Meanwhile, Melvut Kus, who has been living in Kerrykeel for six years is also collecting donations. Melvut’s family live in Western Turkey and escaped the earthquake without harm.
However, Melvut is also carrying out a collection of items to be sent to help victims of the earthquakes.
He said, “As I’m sure you are all aware, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 has struck central Turkey and northern Syria with 11 major cities affected.
“The Turkish embassy in Dublin are doing their best to help by collecting clothing donations and sending them to Turkey by Turkish airlines.
“I am asking all friends and customers if they have any unwanted clothes in good condition to drop them into Kus cuts barbershop, Main Street, Kerrykeel.
“Any support is very much appreciated and the donations will be delivered to the Turkish embassy on Wednesday February 16,” said Melvut.
Meanwhile, Donegal Intercultural Platform CLG is accepting cash donations at their Oliver Plunkett Road hub office that will be channeled to UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontieres who are working on the ground in both Turkey and Syria.
A spokesperson for the group said, “We are watching in shock as the images of the quake fill our TV screens.
“There are many people in Donegal with connections to the region and they must be deeply concerned for the safety of loved ones. If anyone would like information, support or a cup of tea and a chat please call into the hub office in Letterkenny.”
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