Millicent Spencer
After receiving a phone call for help from a humanitarian organisation in Turkey, local businessman Necmi Kulm got on the phones to rally the community.
After 24 hours of putting the call out locals have filled two storage containers and two trucks with blankets, sleeping bags, and tents for those in Turkey and Syria affected by Monday’s earthquake.
Volunteer and Thomastown local Konor Ozal, who was running the operations of the donation hub on Wednesday, said he has been overwhelmed by the community support.
“I got the phone call yesterday about lunchtime from one of the family friends organising everything… I came here and there were maybe 5-6 people [at first] but within an hour about 20 people were all trying to help,” he said.
“We’re here in Australia and we can’t get there to pull people out but what we can do is get together.
“It’s not just Turkish people coming down here, it’s everyone – people from all different backgrounds are ready to help.
“On an emotional level it is distressing but having said that this makes you feel good… seeing everyone get together.”
Local businesswoman Bea Tercan also answered the call to assist and has been liaising with the airlines to transport the goods to Turkey.
Ms Tercan said she felt deeply connected to the cause after living through the 1999 earthquake which struck the Kocaeli Province of Turkey.
“As someone who’s lived through three natural disasters it’s a calling for me to actually give back,” she said.
“I also have family in Turkey and lived through the ‘99 earthquake so I understand and resonate with all the people there and I know what they need.”
Ms Tercan said her family overseas are safe.
“They’re in a tent themselves [and] they are saying they are looking after themselves the best they can,” she said.
“The best news is that we’ve heard their voice… there’s so many people who haven’t heard a voice from [their relatives] yet.”
In between directing a line of traffic ten cars deep, Mr Ozal confirmed the first shipment of goods is set for departure this evening.
“We’ve got one container that Turkish Airlines have already agreed to air freight all the way to Türkiye tonight,” he said.
“We’re liaising with the Australian Government at the moment because we’ve got [more] two containers and another one coming, and we need to get them to Turkey ASAP.”
For anyone looking to donate the group are calling for brand new blankets, tents, and sleeping bags only as they do not want the items to get stuck in quarantine or customs. Donations can be dropped off at Sultan Halal Meats and Poultry in Campbellfield.
