The Barrie Mosque is accepting donations that will be co-ordinated to be flown out via Turkish Airlines to assist after the region was hit by a devastating earthquake earlier this week.
The death toll from Monday’s earthquake, which savaged parts of Turkey and Syria, continues to climb and had surpassed 20,000 people by Thursday afternoon.
The Turkish government has declared a three-month state of emergency after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the two countries and the surrounding areas.
The Barrie Mosque, located at 155 Ferris Lane, is helping get much-needed supplies to the disaster area and is hoping for donations from the community.
Imam Mateen Butt told BarrieToday there are two aspects to the drive, with one being the immediate concern for those left without shelter, food and clothes.
“Due to the conditions right now, and severe cold weather, those helping on the ground are asking for blankets, tents, sleeping bags, female hygiene, and baby products," he said. "Anything to do with babies, like formula for example. Essentially anything that would be considered an urgent necessity is needed right now.”
The second part of the local drive is helping with the long-term concerns of people needing to rebuild their lives.
Canada has announced $10 million in aid and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that the federal government is still determining how best to help.
Butt said he and the people at the local mosque are shattered by what they are seeing and hearing from all countries that that have been affected.
“This was a 7.8 — that is so catastrophic. I’ve spoken to those here who are simply devastated by what is happening to every country hit by this,” he said. “This is something that will require the world’s assistance and we are seeing the need when we turn on TV or watch social media. People need help.”
The Barrie Mosque has teamed up with an MTJ Foundation Canada to help get supplies to the country and also pointed out others that are helping.
“Diyanet Canada has organized through Turkish Airlines to take tangible products to the grounds for the next three months on every jetliner that comes to Pearson airport, which I believe is three times a week,” Butt said.
He said they are not accepting any type of monetary donations at the moment and the drop-off location is the mosque’s lobby during Friday prayer only from noon to 2:30 p.m., for the next four Fridays.
For more information on what is needed, head to the Barrie Mosque's Facebook page by clicking here.
