Gülçin Töpel, who runs the Saltwater Café in Terralong St with her husband Tolga, is organising a week long fundraiser for the people affected by the Türkiye earthquake.

With the help of friends in the Turkish community (many of whom are coming down from Sydney especially), she is launching her appeal on Wednesday – encouraging people to come and eat Turkish food, with all of the proceeds going to Türkiye’s most trusted independent aid agency, Ahbap.

“While it is so much bigger, my home town of Adana is like Kiama – everyone knows and helps each other,” she says.

“While it is not as badly affected as some of the other ten cities, it is heart breaking to see the damage. My family is OK, they have just lost houses, but I feel so much for people who have lost loved ones.

“I know what they are feeling and I have to do what I can to help them, as every little bit can help.”

Gülçin and her family moved to Kiama in 2020, after arriving in Australia in 2010, and since then she’s done everything to become involved in the local community.

“People know and trust me, and have been coming in offering money as they want to help. I haven’t been able to accept it before, but now I have set up a fundraising appeal through mycause.com.au that all the money will go through.”

Well known in Sydney for her previous roles in running restaurants and hospitality businesses, Gülçin says her friends are coming down to help get the fundraiser off to a great start on the Wednesday.

“We’ll be cooking street food from noon, including the specials we will have through the week of kofta rolls and fish sandwiches – both of which are typically Turkish,” she says.

The specials are typical street food from Adana

“We will offer those as the specials through the following week to add to the relief effort.”

All of the money from the food sales will go to the appeal, with Gülçin’s family covering the costs. She is very grateful for the generous help and support that has been offered by other local businesses.

For those who want to donate separately to buying food, there will be QR codes on the Saltwater tables to make it easy.

Or you can donate via this link.

Wednesday 15 February, from noon, at Saltwater Kiama, and throughout the following week.