Community 

Turkiye and Syria Earthquake: What can you do?

With such a diverse range of students at Coburg High School, we know we have families who have been affected by the Turkiye and Syria Earthquake. Our thoughts are with them. 

As someone who has family in Turkiye, this has hit far too close to home.  

Over 47 000 deaths, 26 million people displaced and over 4300 aftershocks, this level of suffering can lead to people feeling like they can’t help. 

Many organisations around the world are providing support in different ways to those impacted. Staff here at CHS have had a morning tea fundraiser, with the food generously donated by the Haouchar family, Al Alamy, our favourite local bakery. We have raised over $1500. 

Our students have asked what they can do and have come up with ideas on how our school community can help. Student voice leaders have organised a casual clothes day to help with fundraising 

Students have asked about providing further help and donations and the following places are recommended as recognised charitable organisations in Turkiye

Turk Kizilay/Turkish Red Crescent (this is the name of RedCross in the Middle East): 

https://www.kizilay.org.tr/Bagis/BagisYap/405/donations-for-earthquake-in-pazarcik

AFAD/Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (this is State Emergency Services (SES) in Turkiye):

https://www.afad.gov.tr/depremkampanyasi2

Donations can be made in Turkish Lira, USD or Euro. 

Approximately 1 AUD = 12.94 Turkish Lira.

As a Turkish Australian, I would like to thank everyone for their support. 

Mem Oztas

An outstanding past student of CHS, Faiza, is helping to organise the Relay For Life event in Hawthorn: 'Relay For Life is a fun and moving experience that raises vital funds for Cancer Council's research, prevention and support services'. If you are interested in starting a team and supporting this great cause, head to https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/hawthorn-2023 . The event is on April 1 from 11am.