The Cameli Earthquake Appeal Charity Night that took place on Saturday in Savanna Bar was an outstanding success with over 100 people both Turkish and English attending, helping to raise almost 3000YTL, which will be used to purchase building materials etc for the village. People from as far as Uzumlu attended and many local business' who had generously donated prizes were also present, which was great - a village coming together to help another
The weather was kind, both on the night and the day preceding which made things a lot easier - I think Allah must have been looking down on a good cause
The evening started with a BBQ and entertainment was provided by local singer Michelle who kindly donated her fee to the appeal. A total of 43 prizes had been donated by local businesses and individuals for the raffle. Some items were also auctioned and together, with money which was kindly donated on the night, it all added to the fantastic result.
Pictures of the structural damage to village properties were on show during the evening and representatives from Cameli also attended and spoke about their experience of the earthquakes. Local and national TV were also present to record the event with yours truely roped in with no warning to do a 5 minute piece to camera All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with the dancing continuing until 3.30am!
Many thanks to everyone who helped, especially Arif and his hard working staff and our friend Ibo who has worked tirelessly both at the village and with us to make it all happen. It was a lot to pull off in a week but we did it
Anyone wishing to donate blankets, clothing and childrens books and toys etc. may leave them at Savanna Bar, where there will be an official collection point. The following day we went to the bar to help clear up and were amazed at the amount of bags of clothing, blankets and toys that had been left already.
Arif will continue to be involved with the Cameli Earthquake Appeal and will provide regular updates by way of photographs and information which will be displayed in the bar. Another benefit night is planned but in the meantime regular party nights will take place throughout the winter where updates will also be provided.
You may also be interested to read this article from the Fethiye Times, highlighting the extent of the problem in Cameli:
http://www.fethiyetimes.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=viewid=1172itemid=58
