Polat Yapicilar’s every thought since Monday has revolved around the people of Turkey, as they deal with the horrific aftermath of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake.
The co-owner of Turkish restaurant Nevizade Kitchen + Bar in midtown Toronto has been keeping in touch with friends and family in the quake-ravaged country.
In an interview with Global News, he said he felt immediately compelled to help with relief efforts in some way.
Yapicilar said the response was overwhelming, and that he along with several others are forgoing their pay for a week to ensure much-needed supplies are sent to the nation.
“People are trying to survive in their car and there is no gas,” he said.
The biting cold has added to the many challenges search and recovery teams face, right along with those who have been displaced by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
Yapicilar is calling on Canadians to not only make monetary contributions to relief efforts, but to provide items such as thermal gloves and blankets as well.
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