By Deanne Jeffers
IN only 10 days, $11,561.95 has been raised in Greater Shepparton for Turkey’s recovery following last month’s devastating earthquakes. The number of people killed by the disaster that struck Turkey and Syria in February has passed 50,000, according to the latest figures from both countries.
Funds have been raised by the Shepparton Albanian Society. Society president, Reg Qemal explained there is a strong connection between Shepparton’s Albanian and Turkish Islamic communities.
“An announcement was made at the mosque during Friday prayer that we would be collecting cash and online donations for Turkey’s recovery. Over 10 days, we raised more than $11,000,” he said.
Albanian Islamic Centre of Shepparton imam, Hysni Merja, said when Albania was hit with a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 2019, Turkey came out in support of Albania and its people.
“Turkey has a proud history of assisting other countries,” he said, adding that around 4M Albanian people live in Turkey.
G.V. Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre and Mosque president, Serret Doktorogl, welcomed the donation. He said there are around 300 Turkish families in Shepparton.
“It has been a huge disaster. People in the Turkish community here have lost brothers, sisters, and some are still waiting to hear from family members,” he said.
“Buildings are very different in Turkey. They’re made from a lot of brick and concrete. When the quake hit in the middle of the night, there was no time to act before 18 tonnes came down on them.”
“If the Turkish Government says it will rebuild in a year, we trust they will do what they say. It is just money that is needed,” said Serret.
G.V. Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre and Mosque imam Recep Ay thanked the Albanian Society for the generosity.
“Many families have been significantly impacted and many lives have been affected. It is heartening that people have some together in support of Turkey,” said Recep.
Donations are still welcome through either the Albanian or Turkish mosques.
