A Chatham business seeks cash or check donations to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
In February, Jarnail Gahunia and his wife Inder, owners of T’s & Sweats in the Downtown Chatham Centre, donated about $7,000 worth of new clothing that was shipped to Turkey through the Turkish Consulate General.
About 50,000 people have been killed and millions displaced after the 7.8-magnitude quake and several powerful aftershocks hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on Feb. 6.
Jarnail Gahunia said the Turkish Consulate General indicated there is a need for blankets, sleeping bags, mattresses, portable toilets and portable showers.
He said the focus is now on collecting donations of cash and checks to help purchase these items.
The Kent Sikh Society and the Chatham-Kent Asian Cultural Association will issue tax receipts for cash or check donations, Gahunia said.
Gahunia said he and his wife were inspired by the efforts of Chatham residents Dr. Kamran Karatela and Mirza Baig, who started local efforts to help earthquake victims.
Those interested in making a donation for earthquake relief, can call 519-352-6767 or stop by T’s & Sweats in the Downtown Chatham Centre.
Gahunia said the store is also raising money for the local Canadian Cancer Society.