As we close out this week, I personally would like to take a moment to remember the 22,000+ lives lost, their families, friends, neighbours and concerned fellow humans of the terrible earthquake of February 6th in south-eastern Turkey near the Syrian border. My heart goes out to all those impacted near and far.
The School of Continuing Studies is more than a learning community. We are in many ways an extended family. Many of our community are mourning the loss of loved ones, partners, colleagues, close and distant friends, and are worried about survivors. Together we support one another as best we can. I appreciate the efforts already underway to assist in the earthquake relief efforts. Students from Turkey and Syria are being contacted directly by McGill as well.
Below are some other resources you might consider should you personally need some assistance or would like to contribute.
For students: Please feel free to book an appointment with our local wellness advisor, Lisa Tomlinson. She is here to help you, as a student, deal with difficult issues that may be affecting your life and studies. You can book an appointment with her here. Lisa is also following up with learners directly.
The keep.meSAFE Mental Wellness Student Support Program by guard.me has already reached out to students, but if you missed the information, please reach out to our Local Wellness Advisor, Lisa Tomlinson, for more details.
For faculty, staff and instructors: The University’s Employee and Family Assistance program – EFAP ( https://www.mcgill.ca/hr/benefits/eap) is available for counselling and other support.
For the wider community: Telus Health Community Crisis Support Line. The Telus Health Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at 1-844-751-2133 in Canada. By calling, individuals will receive professional emotional support and/or referral to community resources.
If you wish to help, you might consider the following (not an exclusive list) of organizations, in addition to local efforts underway to raise funds and in-kind support for which we are most grateful:
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement including their local subsidiaries here in Canada.
The United Nations Crisis Relief Appeal for the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake collects funds for UN emergency response efforts.
There are many local organizations that are gathering supplies and donations to send as well. For example https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreals-turkish-community-collects-emergency-relief-for-earthquake-victims.
Thank you and take care!
Carola Weil, PhD
Dean of Continuing Studies