An Aberdeen Turkish restaurant is donating every penny from customers dining in and takeaways on Thursday to help victims in Turkey and Syria.
Following the horrendous earthquakes in the countries, a family-run restaurant in the city wanted to do something to help.
Nearly 16,000 people are now confirmed to have died in the disaster with countless more made homeless while many struggle to access food, water and shelter.
Instead of planning an event weeks down the line, sisters Sara Iridag and Rüya Anderson, directors of the Rendezvous Nargile Restaurant, decided action was needed now.
On Thursday, from noon, money from dishes, meals and drinks served will be going to charities helping those affected.
Hits close to home
Mrs Iridag said the fundraiser was a way to help right now instead of spending time making preparations for an event.
She said: “We wanted to look at what we could do that would have immediate effect.
“We thought about looking to put together an event in a month’s time but a month is a long time when the crisis is now.
“In the end we thought ‘Let’s just go for it’ and whatever we can make on that day we can just get it straight across the next day to the charities that we know are working first hand with the victims and trying to help them.”
Mrs Iridag’s dad is from Turkey himself, which brings the disaster closer to home for her.
She said: “We are lucky enough that we’ve not lost any family or friends. It doesn’t make it easier to see what is happening in the country.
“You’re still affected by hundreds of thousands of people losing so much.
“When bad things happen in the UK, you are affected because it’s your home.
“It’s your culture, your heritage, it’s everything. It’s hard enough to see disasters all over the world always happening but it hits closer to home when it’s part of you.”
All the money raised will be given to four British and Turkish charities actively helping those affected by the crisis.
These include the British Red Cross, Islamic Relief UK, AFAD and Ahbap.
People can enjoy a meal and know they are helping
The Turkish restaurant, owned by Mrs Iridag’s parents, has been in Aberdeen for 40 years.
Having built a strong and loyal customer base, Mrs Iridag said they decided to do something to give back.
“We just want to utilise what we’ve got and give something back and help those affected,” she added.
“It is really difficult to witness and be completely unable to help. This is the only way from here we feel we can show our support and show that we are thinking of them.
“People can enjoy a nice meal but also be doing their bit to help those affected.
“We appreciate that everyone is going through tough times in their different ways and it’s difficult but this way people get something but they know that they’re also potentially helping someone at the end of this.”
Every penny taken in on Thursday, at Rendezvous Nargile Restaurant, either through takeaway or dining in, will be given to the named charities.
The restaurant on 106–108 Forest Avenue, will be open from 12pm and is open for bookings.
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