Supporting our partners and communities affected by the earthquake in Türkiye (Turkey), Syria & surrounding regions
We are devasted by the mass tragedy that unfolds in Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria after earthquakes hit the region Monday and aftershocks continue. The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Corporation, and Alshaya Group, have committed donating $1 million USD total to nonprofits focused on providing immediate relief and aid:
- Global Red Cross Red Crescent teams to provide humanitarian relief such as food, water, hygiene supplies, emergency shelter and medical care.
- World Central Kitchen to support emergency meal distribution for impacted communities and first responders.
- International Rescue Committee who is scaling up response efforts to support affected communities, which will include provision of immediate cash, hygiene supplies, health services and safe spaces for women and children.
- Planet Water Foundation to provide clean, safe drinking water through mobilization of an AquaBlock emergency water system.
Reflecting the strong links with the local community, we operate over 600 stores throughout Türkiye (Turkey), we are working closely with our licensee and local leadership to ensure our partners and their families are cared for. In addition to the financial contribution to nonprofits, partners in affected areas are being provided with catastrophe pay, mental health and welfare support and paid leave for partners to look after family members. Food and shelter are also being provided to partners who have been displaced by the earthquake.
In the affected cities under the State of Emergency in Turkey, 500 partners from 40 Starbucks stores have been working together since the earthquakes to support local communities, including providing drinks and food to rescue teams.
"We are devastated by the mass tragedy that unfolds in Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria and our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones. We know recovery will take a long time and we are committed to continuing to support our green apron partners and communities we serve in Türkiye (Turkey), through both financial contributions and on-the-ground support.” said Duncan Moir, President, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa.
"Our team on the ground in Türkiye has already been incredibly strong in their response to this crisis, demonstrating a spirit of resilience and compassion that we are truly proud of," commented Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman, Alshaya Group. "Through these donations, we hope we can help the rescue effort and the devasting impact on communities."
Recovery for these communities will take time. We will continue to monitor the situation to support our green apron partners and the communities we serve in Türkiye (Turkey), along with contributing to relief efforts throughout the affected areas.
U.S., EMEA and Canada: Our partners and customers have already raised more than $500,000 USD for Turkey and Syria relief efforts, in addition to a $1 million USD donation from The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks and our local licensee Alshaya Group.
Korea: Shinsegae Group, parent company for Starbucks Korea, donated US $500,000 to ChildFund Korea for emergency relief and aid in Turkey and Syria. ChildFund Korea is carrying out emergency relief activities with local non-profit organizations to support people affected by the earthquake in the region.
Hong Kong Support Center (HKSC): Last week, the Social Impact Network hosted a potluck and merchandise sale to raise funds for the Hong Kong Red Cross to support disaster relief in Turkey. This was matched by HKSC, raising a total of $224,930 HKD (~ $28,654 USD).
How to Support
For Starbucks partners (employees) and customers looking to help impacted communities, you can join The Starbucks Foundation in supporting the Red Cross by making a donation at the register at any U.S. company-owned store. In addition, Starbucks is inviting customers to make a donation to Red Cross through the Starbucks mobile app in the U.S. through February 22.
We encourage global partners (employees) to make a personal donation that may be eligible for a Giving Match.
The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law.
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 36,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.
Alshaya Group has partnered with Starbucks since 1999 to operate the brand across the Middle East and currently operates over 600 Starbucks locations throughout Turkey.