Communities band together for earthquake survivors

When life gives you lemons, the Salaam Foundation makes LemonAid

Lemonade for the soul. Fatima Sookharia (left, co-director of the Salaam Foundation), Kayden Lowrick (9), Zahair Akoojee (7) and Atiyyah Mohamed (teacher).

The scent of home-made lemonade filled the classrooms at a Mackenzie Park tutor centre, while some learners sold sweet coloured popcorn depicting the Turkish and Syrian flags.

Despite the jovial atmosphere, on February 15, learners were not only participating in a fun market day, but making a valuable contribution to the Salaam Foundation’s LemonAid2 initiative.

On February 6, the world was woken by the news that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake had struck Turkey and the north of Syria, with the death-toll surpassing the 40 000 mark.

It is estimated that more than five million people have been displaced.

The market day was aimed at creating awareness to the plight of those affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

As sullen images of trapped victims and abandoned children fill our screens, the Salaam Foundation has jumped into action to not only offer assistance to those affected, but to mobilise the community to raise much needed funds.

According to Fatima Sookharia, co-director of the foundation, initiatives like these are vital to not only provide immediate support for those affected by the devastation of natural disasters and conflict but to create awareness and a sense of humility amongst children and the general public.

“As the saying goes, if life gives you lemons make lemonade. Situations like we are seeing in Turkey and Syria, is in simple terms a lemon,” said Sookharia.

“Our initiative aims at mobilising projects that takes life’s ‘lemons’ and turning it to LemonAid.”

One of the creative signs found at tutor centre’s LemonAid2 market day.

Attending to various stalls, selling toys, treats and of course, lemonade, the learners know that all profits from their sales will assist the foundation to provide as many essentials as possible to relief organisations working in the area, such as Gift of the Givers.

Selling toys and sweets, Kayden Lowrik (9), says that he wishes that he could send the content of his table to the children that have lost everything.

“I know they can’t use what I am selling, but I hope that the money I make can buy them what they need and make them feel less sad,” he said.

While these kids have done their bit to assist, members of the public are urged to support the National LemonAid2 project, which will be taking place on February 18 at various venues.