Kervan Gida group launches appeal for Turkey and Syria earthquake-hit communities
The devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have claimed 47,000 lives. Pic: Kervan Gida
The UK managing director of Kervan Gida confectionery group, Enes Basar, has called on the sector to help collectively raise a total of £50,000 towards supporting communities impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, reports Neill Barston.
Last month’s major humanitarian disaster on 6 February saw more than 47,000 people reported to have died, leaving millions in urgent need of shelter, food and medical assistance.
In response, Enes Basar, whose business has its HQ in the UK, but has extensive production links across Europe, has appealed to the industry to support ongoing aid work the industry to come together and support this vital cause so close to the family’s, and to the company’s, heart, having risen to reportedly grow to become Turkey’s largest soft candy producer.
Having formed in the mid 1990s, the firm, which owns the Bebeto and Dexters brands, now has around 2,000 employees, with global offices in the US, Germany and Russia, which serve a number of major retailers with its combined ranges.
“We would be incredibly grateful for whatever donations and awareness you can help us gather. To help contributions go further, Kervan Gida will be matching these generous donations, up to a total of £30,000,” noted the MD.
The family-owned business, which has its UK headquarters in Chichester, West Sussex, explained that it was ‘deeply affected by the disaster’ and its unrelenting impact across the regions.
The earthquake that struck Turkey last month was recorded at a magnitude of 7.8, followed by subsequent tremors that caused significant impact for the region.
It has been reported that a total of 160,000 buildings collapsed – with investigations now under way surrounding alleged poor quality construction standards that have been allowed to prevail in recent years, leading to a total of more than 600 individuals now being under criminal investigation. Turkish media has reported that more than 113 arrest warrants have now been made in relation to the situation.
According to Kervan Gida, it responded quickly, supporting various local charities who were offering emergency support on the ground. As the devastation continues though, the business will use the money raised to get directly involved and purchase essential food and supplies, delivering these resources to the people who need them most.
As the company noted, donations can be made via a dedicated Go Fund Me page, set up by the company to manage contributions.