Kamloops humanitarian springs into action, launches fundraiser for devastation in Turkey

KAMLOOPS — The shockwaves of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria have rippled around the globe, prompting a response from communities the world over — Kamloops is no exception.

Local humanitarian, firefighter captain and thrift store owner David Sakaki is raising money for the effort. From the Philippines and Greece to Japan and Nepal, Sakaki has travelled the world, but not for his own leisure.

Sakaki is a team leader in an organization called Global Medic that deploys around the world to offer humanitarian assistance.

“You truly see the best in humanity. You see the worst that the world has to offer but you see the best in humanity, so I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to be part of some of those deployments.” Sakaki told CFJC Today.

When Sakaki is not helping save lives with Kamloops Fire Rescue or with Global Medic, he oversees a North Shore thrift store that raises money for international relief. This weekend, Station 10 Marketplace will host a fundraising event for Global Medic. The Toronto-based organization currently has two rapid response teams in Turkey, assessing the damage. Global Medic will then bring in food kits and mobile hospitals.

“I’m hoping we can get as many people as possible coming in, spending as much money as they possibly can in our thrift store. That money will go directly toward Turkey, probably within the next couple of days.” said Sakaki.

The fundraiser will run at Station 10 Marketplace, 533 Tranquille Road, this Saturday and Sunday.