Graham Stuart Praises Ali Tekce for Wonderful Toys for Turkiye Fundraiser Event

Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, praised Ali Tekce for his wonderful Toys for Turkiye Fundraiser Event which took place on Sunday 16th April at Wednesday Market in Beverley. The event raised over £12,000 for the children affected by the earthquakes.

Ali Tekce is a well known entrepreneurial Beverley restaurateur and the inspirational leader of the Turkish Earthquake Appeal.

Following the disastrous earthquakes in February, which caused almost 60,000 deaths and affected a staggering 14 million people, Ali secured £17,000 in cash donations and 7 truck-loads of essential goods to provide crucial aid to those devastated by the crisis in Turkey.

On Sunday 16th April, Graham joined hundreds of people in Wednesday Market, for a ‘Toys for Turkiye’ fundraiser to raise money for traumatised children in Turkey.

The attendees included Minster and Woodmansey ward councillor Kerri Harold, the Turkish Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Osman Koray Ertas, and the Lord-Lieutenant James Dick.

Over £12,000 was raised and 1000 shoeboxes were filled with sweets, teddy bears and puzzles for children.

Graham Stuart commented: “Anyone who was in Beverley on Sunday could be under no doubt that the people of Beverley, and the incredible Ali Tekce, are some of the most generous people you can find.

“Ali’s inspirational work will make a real difference, and I’d like to thank him and all those who have donated. I have never seen Wednesday Market so full.”

His Excellency Osman Koray Ertaş said: “I was heavily moved by the generosity of the people of Beverley and East Yorkshire. I am also grateful to Lord Lieutenant Mr. James Dick, High Sheriff Ms. Tina Cerutti, Minister of State and Member of Parliament Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart, Mayor of Beverley Ms. Linda Johnson and all other dignitaries for their presence at the event and display of solidarity with our country. The assistance of Beverley and East Yorkshire to Türkiye during these trying times will never be forgotten.”

Ali Tekce commented: “Even in the face of adversity, there is a light and goodness all around us. This is something I have learned after all the kindness people have shown from all walks of life following the earthquakes.”

Cllr Kerri Harold said: “I have loved being a part of the Toys for Turkey shoebox appeal and the previous fundraising events. This final event has seen our focus shift to the many thousands of children and young people displaced and left orphaned by the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria.

“To have raised over £12,000 on a Sunday afternoon in our beautiful Wednesday Market has shown that through tragedy, kindness shone! This fantastic day of culture will leave a lasting legacy.”