Alshaya Group, Starbucks Corporation, The Starbucks Foundation join hands to support earthquake victims in Turkey

Middle East based retailer Alshaya Group, Starbucks Corporation and The Starbucks Foundation have together committed $1 million to provide immediate relief and aid to earthquake victims in Turkey and adjoining areas.

Alshaya Group operates more than 600 Starbucks stores across Turkey and are working with local leadership to ensure its partners or employees and their families are cared for. Along with financial support through non-profit organisations, Starbucks is also offering catastrophe pay, mental health & welfare support and paid leave to partners in affected areas. Food and shelter are also being provided to partners displaced by the earthquake.

“Our team on the ground in Turkey has already been incredibly strong in their response to this crisis, demonstrating a spirit of resilience and compassion that we are truly proud of. Through these donations, we hope we can help the rescue effort and the devasting impact on communities,” Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman, Alshaya Group that owns the franchise rights for Starbucks in the region.

Besides financial and in-kind donations Starbucks has also made way for its customers and partners to support impacted communities by donating to Red Cross through The Starbucks Foundation.

“We are devastated by the mass tragedy that unfolds in 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 Turkey through both financial contributions and on-the-ground support,” added Duncan Moir, President, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa.