Photo: Grayscale Media
A culture of philanthropy. These words are often used in the charitable sector when we talk about that team spirit of coming together to support a cause—usually financially, but also in many other ways. Increasingly, for-profit companies have also adopted the notion of philanthropic culture, and in 2023, thankfully, giving back is no longer a nice-to-have for many; it’s a must.
At CARE Canada, we’ve had the opportunity and privilege to work with some incredible partners who thought of us and reached out when they wanted to give back. Partners who genuinely want to save lives in emergencies, fight poverty and contribute to that better, more equal world that we strive each day to usher in.
When Anatolia—a Toronto-based leader in the tile and stone industry—approached us to support those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, we were deeply touched and worked hard to ensure their generosity had maximum impact.
Anatolia team members
Not only did Anatolia give generous funds to support people in Türkiye, but they inspired their employees and business partners to take part as well by matching their donations. More than $500,000 was raised—an incredible effort that has and will continue to make a big difference to those who have lost so much after the earthquakes.
This critical support from Anatolia has helped provide food, water, shelter, sanitation (like portable toilets and showers), safe spaces for women and children, medical services, and clean-up and longer-term recovery efforts in Türkiye.
“We are proud to have partnered with CARE Canada to support the emergency humanitarian response in Türkiye following the devastating earthquake earlier this year,” the Elmaagacli family shared. “Through our Anatolia Earthquake Emergency Fund, CARE gave us the tools to engage our employees and business partners to join us in directing a combined total of over $500,000 in critical resources to the humanitarian response. We are grateful to the CARE team for their efforts in building all the necessary components to help us complete this incredibly successful fundraising campaign. And of course, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone here in Canada and around the world who took a stand with us at Anatolia to support the people of Türkiye during their time of need.”
A sports hall used as a makeshift shelter in Gaziantep, Türkiye. Mutlu Yetkin/CARE
“Partnership is a crucial ingredient in all we do at CARE,” says CARE Canada’s President and CEO Barbara Grantham. “When we work with partners across sectors and backgrounds, like Anatolia, who share our vision and care deeply for our shared human family, we can save more lives, find creative long-term solutions, and build a better world for all of us. Anatolia’s generosity will continue to inspire us for years to come and serves as a moving example to others looking to make a difference. We are so grateful, and on behalf of the lives you have certainly touched, thank you.”