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Laurier students fundraising for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye

Laurier students fundraising for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye

Feb. 14, 2023

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Two student groups at Wilfrid Laurier University are fundraising to support relief efforts for those impacted by the widespread devastation caused by an earthquake in Syria and Turkiye on Feb. 6, 2023.   

The Middle Eastern Students’ Association (MESA) and Laurier Help Turkey and Syria (WLUHTS) are coordinating efforts with the relief and development organization Penny Appeal Canada. Funds raised by the groups will be directed to Penny Appeal Canada to provide food, shelter and medical aid to those impacted by the earthquake.  

“Tragedy in the Middle East can be normalized, but we really want people to understand the magnitude of the devastation caused by the earthquake,” says Zeena Kailani, president of the Middle Eastern Students’ Association at Laurier. “The victims and survivors are people just like us. We need to help any way we can.” 

Student representatives from MESA and WLUHTS will accept cash donations in the Concourse at Laurier’s Waterloo campus Feb. 14 to 17 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The students aim to raise $1,000. Financial donations can be made online through April 30, 2023.  

The groups are also collecting outdoor gear, clothing and hygiene items to be sent to survivors. Donations will be sent to a community-organized drive in Kitchener, Ontario. The following items are needed and can be dropped off to MESA and WLUHTS student representatives in the Concourse during the times noted above: 

  • Tents, blankets sleeping bags. 

  • Thermoses, reusable water bottles and flashlights without batteries. 

  • New or gently used clothing, including warm sweaters, pants, winter coats, rain jackets, boots and rompers.

  • Hygiene products and menstrual care items
  • Canned baby food and formula. 


Donations may also be dropped off at the following community centres in Kitchener during the next two weeks, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: 

  • Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen’s Blvd. 

  • Centreville Chicopee Community Centre, 141 Morgan Ave.  

For more information, email mesalaurier@gmail.com or follow the Middle Eastern Students’ Association and Laurier Help Turkey and Syria on Instagram.  

  

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