While aid campaigns continued around the world due to earthquakes, the Turkish diaspora in Denmark did not remain indifferent to their kin in need in Turkey.
Brabrand Grand Mosque (Turkish Cultural Center), managed by members of the Turkish community in Aarhus, Denmark, became one of the places where aid was collected.
The mosque management collected 1 million Danish kroner in two different aid campaigns with the support of the Turkish diaspora and the local Danish community.
Upon the call, donations continue to come from local people as well as those of Turkish origin.
The representative of the mosque in charge of press affairs, Davut Ataman, stated that the earthquake disaster caused pain to everyone who heard it.
Ataman said, “We may live miles away from earthquake victims, but they are always in our hearts and prayers. We cannot continue our lives as if nothing happened.” said.
Stating that he made announcements on Facebook and Instagram under the name “Hand in hand for earthquake victims”, Ataman said that 1 million Danish crowns were provided in a week, and that they also collected 2 thousand 500 blankets.
Esra Ataman, the representative of the mosque administration in charge of women’s affairs, stated that they took action as soon as they heard the earthquake on 6 February.
Ataman said, “We were 9 people in the mosque at that time. We gathered quickly and discussed what we could do and how we could best help people in Turkey. First we started collecting small donations, we sold homemade breakfast foods for donations at the mosque every Wednesday. Then a big fundraising campaign. And we’ve expanded that further with social media calls.” he said.
Noting that the volunteers sold Turkish food to collect aid with the slogan of “one heart, one nation”, Ataman mentioned that they reached the donation target they wanted.
Ataman explained that Danish students of Turkish origin organize donation trips, set up food stands and mobilize the community for aid.
“We will try to do our best in our modest capacity”
Azra Shahin, one of the volunteer students, said that helping the Turkish society in such a need reminds them of their identity and gives them a sense of empathy.
Shahin said, “Making a difference in people’s lives with our efforts is something special. With these efforts, I just want to show the Turkish people who are in a difficult situation that they are not forgotten. We will try to do our best with our modest capacity.” he said.
Mosque officials stated that the Turkish community in Denmark is expected to collect large donations for earthquake victims in Turkey during Ramadan.