Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake Feb. 6 that has caused over 30,000 deaths and widespread destruction in Turkey and neighboring Syria, Rice University’s Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is embracing its mission to foster international connections by coordinating an effort with student groups including the Turkish Student Association to raise funds and gather crucial supplies for those affected by the natural disaster.
“It is heartbreaking to see the damage the natural disaster brought to the people of Turkey and Syria, and the harsh winter weather is making it even more difficult for them to recover,” said Elmira Ganiyeva, the OISS manager and senior international adviser helping coordinate the office’s relief efforts. “We see how our international students and scholars from these countries are devastated to follow the events from so far away and worried for their countrymen and loved ones, so we are very grateful to the Rice community for joining in our efforts and for the help and support they provide.”
OISS has partnered with Houston’s Turkish consulate in the effort, which has pledged to get the funds and supplies raised to those in need.
Any members of the Rice community who would like to contribute to the effort can do so either by making a cash donation, or by donating blankets, sleeping bags and/or tents (all should be new, or clean and nearly new).
“The winter is very harsh in Turkey currently, and there are countless people waiting on the streets in freezing temperatures,” said Can Erdogan, Rice senior and president of the Turkish Student Association whose family is from the region in Turkey where the earthquake took place. “In a week, there will be more people who need help with food, water, shelter and blankets to protect them from the cold. We need all the help we can get.”
Both monetary and supply donations can be dropped off at the OISS office — on Lovett Hall’s second floor, accessible from Entrance A — from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 14. Those who stop by are also welcomed to sign a book with well wishes and messages of support that will be sent by Rice to the Turkish government and to humanitarian authorities for Syria.
For those looking for more information on relief efforts and additional avenues to contribute, OISS recommends the following organizations: