Taylan Özgür Ercan is currently studying economics at Cornell University and is the president and founder of the Turkish Student Association there. Both the Association and Ercan were commended by the Cornell community for their rapid mobilization after the disaster.
We organized an Earthquake Disaster Relief Fundraiser at Cornell in conjunction with the Arab Student Association, Muslim Educational and Cultural Association, and International Student Association and also held numerous fundraising events. Our relief event showed that people can come together and help each other during a disaster.
A range of activities were available, including a silent auction, tea station, traditional Turkish baklava, and games like tavla. All Cornell students worked together to make this event happen. The Turkish Student Association also organized bake sales and tables at various buildings on campus. Our fundraising events engaged 2,000 participants, and the Turkish Student Association at Cornell raised a total of $34,000, or approximately 645,000 Turkish Lira. We collected the funds from Cornell students, faculty, and staff and donated it to AFAD.
Our relief efforts were successful, and we were able to assist all Turks in need at Cornell. As the organizer of these events and the president of the Turkish Student Association at Cornell, I am proud of what we accomplished. Helping people during a disaster can make a significant difference in their lives. Many people were left homeless by the earthquake and needed assistance. In particular, three of our Turkish friends from Diyarbakır and Hatay lost their homes due to the earthquake. Our efforts helped ease their suffering and made their lives easier.
Published April 2023
