Despite all the planning by the TCS Board, Mr. Feza Sanıgök and numerous others, this year’s commemoration of the 88th Turkish Republic Day turned out much different than anticipated. On short notice, out of respect for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the city of Van and the town of Erciş in eastern Turkey on Sunday, October 23, the decision was made to postpone the Turkish Canadian Youth and Harvest Festival until a future date. Instead, on Saturday, October 29 we held a simple flag-raising at Vancouver City Hall in the morning and, in the evening, a modest fundraising event at Creekside Community Centre.

At the flag-raising, over which TCS President Ms Güler Aylar gracefully presided, we sang both the Turkish and Canadian national anthems and observed a moment of silence for the people killed or injured by the earthquake. In addition, on behalf of His Honour Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Deputy Mayor Mr. Tim Stevenson proclaimed Saturday, October 29, 2011, to be Turkish Republic Day in the City of Vancouver. As well, we were pleased to have the Hon. Dr. Hedy Fry (MP for Vancouver Centre), who has supported us for a number of years, speak to the crowd. Finally, we were honoured by the presence of His Excellency Dr. Rafet Akgünay, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic to Canada, who came from Ottawa to address the gathering.

During the evening fundraiser, we appreciated having the Hon. Mr. Harry Bloy, BC Minister of State for Multiculturalism, speak to us and show his support and interest. We also again heard from His Excellency Dr. Rafet Akgünay, along with Ms Güler Aylar, Mr. Feza Sanıgök and Ms Elif Costello, who read out letters of congratulation for the 88th Turkish Republic Day from various dignitaries.

As well as the singing of both national anthems, we saw a short video about the founding of the Turkish Republic and a short slideshow depicting events organized by the TCS this year. We are very grateful to Fatma & Mehmet Telli of Lara Cuisine for catering the event with a selection of Turkish finger foods, and to Mr. Yener Ciprut for kindly supplying Turkish beverages.

Special thanks to Berna Salman, Chara Berk, Lutfi Buyural and Buket Şendemir, who worked together very efficiently to plan and organize this fundraising event in just two days.

For professionally documenting the two events and posting the videos online, we wish to warmly thank our friends Adam Balmoral and Eyyub Hajiyev at HBTV. (flag-raising: http://www.youtube.com/user/VancouverHBTV#p/a/u/1/HpaBz4iVJWQ; evening fundraiser: http://www.youtube.com/user/VancouverHBTV#p/a/u/0/032qd7ElqXo)

Many thanks to everyone who came out to support both these important events with their presence and their contributions.

The total donations collected for earthquake relief as of today:

1) TCS Website Online: $2,655

2) Republic Day Reception day and week: $1,446

3) Donation Desk at SFU managed by Ilyas Kayran: $417

TCS has written a cheque for $4,518 to the Canadian Red Cross, which has committed to transfer these funds to Turkish Red Crescent.

We are also very grateful to our members who chose to donate their $25 refunds to TCS.