In a message to all the members of the ESSEC community, Olivier Cantet (E87), Head of ESSEC Alumni, expresses their support for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

Our thoughts go out to those who have been impacted by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

We have contacted our Turkey Chapter, Esat Tugay (IMHI 02), and we have been relieved to hear that our alumni have not been directly impacted by the earthquakes. Nonetheless, he still stresses the dramatic effects of the situation.

The most recent death toll from these earthquakes is over 50,000, with 100,000 injured and countless people now homeless. This death toll is increasing day by day. Our responsibility is to act collectively and in solidarity.

Therefore, we invite you to send a donation to HCR France, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which strives to help the Turkish and Syrian populations on both sides of the border. The HCR, which has been present in the region for more than 60 years, facilitates the coordination of the NGOs acting on the ground and provides an emergency response (protection, emergency aid, shelter, health care). Its actions help to ensure that the affected populations receive emergency aid and have prospects for the future. We know the organization well and some of our alumni work there, including Gaëlle Devoucoux (E09).

Support HCR France as an ESSEC

As for the student community, the ESSEC Rotaract Club (affiliated with Rotary International) will dedicate the 4th edition of SONACT, the largest student charity event in France, to the victims of this disaster. The event will take place on the Cergy campus on April 25 and the association is looking for sponsors. If your company is able to contribute to this event, please contact Yassmine El Maqrini (BBA 22): yassmine.elmaqrini@essec.edu.

Lastly, in view of the intense emotions that this disaster has generated, we would like to inform you that you can contact Boris Haguenauer (E98), a clinical psychologist and coach, who is available to speak with you whenever you feel the need. To request his services, please email Elisabeth Dos Anjos: elisabeth.dosanjos@essec.edu.

We are counting on your generosity to come to the aid of the victims of the earthquake. Many thanks in advance.

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