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OCAD U issues statement on earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

February 21, 2023
Photo of the Sharp Centre of Design, a white tabletop with black squares sitting on top of large multi-coloured stilts of red, yellow and blue.

Updated as of Feb. 21, 2023:

A new earthquake on February 20 in Türkiye and Syria has resulted in more devastation, injuries and deaths.

OCAD University offers our sincere condolences to the families and their loved ones impacted by this latest earthquake, especially to those members of the OCAD U community who have ties to the regions.

Support for students
For students who need help or support during this difficult time, the University’s Student Wellness Centre (SWC) is here to offer support through counselling, including urgent support, case management, peer wellness, accessibility, and health.

This support is available Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call (416-977-6000, ext. 260) or email (swc@ocadu.ca) to request an urgent appointment, or you can book a single session through bookings pages, both virtually and in-person. 

OCAD U students can also access support through KeepMeSafe, available 24/7/365, by downloading the My SSP app to get connected with a counsellor or by calling directly at 1-844- 451-9700.

Support for faculty and staff
Employees who are seeking help or support in light of this tragedy should contact the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

Humanitarian aid resources
Members of the OCAD U community may wish to consider supporting one of the organizations below that are providing humanitarian aid to these regions:

  • Médecins sans frontières (Doctors Without Borders): This non-governmental organization had been in Syria before the quake and has mobilized more resources there.
  • Canadian Red Cross: The Red Cross Red Crescent is working to deliver emergency relief and to get help to those impacted by the earthquakes as quickly as possible.
  • Save the Children: The Canadian branch of this international NGO is accepting donations for children and families in the disaster area.

OCAD U’s Turkish Students Association has organized a fundraiser in support of disaster relief efforts for victims of the February 6th earthquake in Türkiye All donations will be sent to AFAD, Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency. 

On behalf of the OCAD U community, our thoughts are with the people of Türkiye and Syria at this time, and with all of the people involved in the search and rescue efforts.

Best,

Ana Serrano
President and Vice-Chancellor
OCAD University