Drop-off locations open in Kitchener to collect donations for earthquake victims in Turkey

Two new drop-off locations have opened up in Kitchener to collect items for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

The Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada has opened the following drop-off locations:

• Forest Heights Community Centre located at 1700 Queens Blvd., Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Centreville Chicopee Community Centre located at 141 Morgan Ave., Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Kitchener Fire Station at 270 Strasburg Rd., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The items will go to support people impacted by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this week that has killed thousands. The Canadian government has pledged $10 million in aid to Turkey and Syria. International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan said the government is also looking into deploying medical and search and rescue teams.

The Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada said in a social media post that a variety of donations are needed, including equipment like flashlights, thermos, sleeping bags, tents, diapers and sanitary items.

The group is also looking to collect unused clothing donations such as winter jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, socks, shoes, pants and blankets.

Can Gursoz, a Kitchener resident and the vice president of the Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada, said they are only accepting unused clothing items to make it easier and faster to process donations.

He said volunteers have collected about 33 large skids full of donations so far. About 17 skids were flown out on Tuesday night. The remaining skids will be shipped out Wednesday night.

Gursoz said there is currently a need for volunteers at all locations where donations are being sorted and processed.

He said there are plans in place for a flight to go out every night with donations.

Kitchener resident Juneyt Yetkiner said Turkish community members like him have contacted local mayors and business owners to help organize temporary drop-off locations for this weekend.

"We have received financial donations and some items, but because it's a work day, it's been quiet here," he said. "We just came online with the drop-off locations and I am sure it will evolve."

He said there will be a drop-off location open on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kitchener Market.