Framingham State Faculty Raise $10K For Earthquake Relief In Turkey

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have sparked fundraisers from all across the world. Now, the faculty at Framingham State is getting involved.

A group of Turkish faculty at Framingham State University is raising money to support the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. According to a recent Associated Press report, the earthquakes killed more than 39,000 in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

So far, more than $10,000 has been raised, with all proceeds going to the Turkish Philanthropy Funds’ (TPF) Earthquake Relief Fund and recovery efforts, university officials said.

The group of faculty includes Dr. John Umit Palabiyik, Hospitality and Tourism Management; Dr. Zeynep Gonen, Sociology; Ella Karat, Marketing; Dr. Kaan Agartan, Sociology; and Dr. Borga Deniz, Management, Business & IT.

“We have been hearing heartbreaking accounts from some members of the Turkish community in the Boston area whose close relatives and friends were directly impacted by the disaster,” the group said, in a statement.

“Even more depressingly, contributions to fundraisings and donations have slowed down recently, and the window to appeal to the goodwill of people is closing every day.”

Funds provided to the Turkish Philanthropy Funds helps first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, medicine, and shelter. As needs emerge, the group will support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted partner organizations in the impacted areas.

“The recovery will be long and arduous as the needs of the survivors will change from food, medical supplies and shelter to education, rent and income support,” the FSU faculty wrote.

“Our humble contribution will join to the other relief efforts to maintain a steady flow of funds to those who are in need.”