On February 6, 2023, devastating earthquakes hit regions of Türkiye and Syria, tragically claiming the lives of at least 50,000 people and injuring thousands more. As a result of the earthquakes, thousands of people were also left homeless in below-zero temperatures without belongings to keep them warm and protect them from the cold weather. Emergency relief was immediately needed to help the people of Türkiye and Syria who were impacted by the earthquakes.
Following news of the devastation, the TDSB quickly launched a board-wide fundraising appeal in support of Canadian Red Cross. Thanks to the generosity of the TDSB community, the campaign, which ran until March 17, 2023, raised $103,792.70 to support the Canadian Red Cross in providing immediate relief and ongoing humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the earthquakes.
The Government of Canada also matched donations made to Canadian Red Cross (up to $10 million) until February 22, 2023.
On April 17, 2023, TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin and Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins presented Canadian Red Cross Manager of Community Engagement Ifhtia Haque with a cheque of the TDSB’s donations. Thank you to the students, staff, parents/guardians/caregivers and other members of the TDSB community for supporting this important initiative.