Residents of our province took massive action on Wednesday to raise money for Giro555. And initiatives are still being set up to support the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Also today at the Koopmansplein in Assen.
“These are cakes with sugar syrup. You can taste them if you want,” says volunteer Esra to a curious passerby. “And there’s potato in it.” Baklava, Turkish pizzas and fried sandwiches are also on the table ready to be sold.
Members of the Turkish Islamic Cultural Association in Assen got up early this morning to prepare the dishes. “People from the association made the snacks at home and we sell them here,” says Esra.
The association will be in the center of Assen all day to collect money. Refreshments are also sold at the Turkish Islamic foundation in the city. People can pay with cash, a tikkie or a QR code. The entire proceeds go to the disaster area in Turkey and Syria.
“This is very important, because so many people have died. The families that have been left behind need help,” says volunteer Beyza. Esra is also at the stall with an important goal. “Collect as much money as possible. Because entire cities have been destroyed and people there are without a home. That affects me enormously.”
Esra herself does not know any people from the disaster area. But unfortunately Beyza can’t say the same. “I know someone from the area who is fortunately doing well now. But I have acquaintances who have lost relatives. It is really terrible.”
A powerless feeling dominated the past period at the Turkish Islamic association in Assen. “We are in the Netherlands and cannot go there to help or take in those people. The only thing we can do is donate money,” says Beyza. And so the association is on the square all day. Tomorrow they will also collect money with Turkish snacks.
“Enjoy it and thank you very much,” Esra says to a woman buying snacks. “Thank you,” the customer responds. “It’s great that you guys are doing this.”
Watch below how the Turkish Islamic Association sells snacks on Koopmansplein: