The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education joins the University of Toronto community in expressing sympathy and concern for everyone affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
Below we share a message from Joseph Wong, Vice-President, International at U of T.
Update — Feb. 9, 2023:
We continue to follow the tragic news emerging from Türkiye and Syria with sorrow. For those across our University of Toronto community who are moved and able to contribute to disaster relief, the Government of Canada will be matching donations made to the Canadian Red Cross between February 6–22.
Joseph Wong, Vice-President, International
Feb. 6, 2023
People around the world are reacting with alarm and sadness at the news of devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria that have killed thousands of people and injured many more.
On behalf of the University of Toronto, I would like to express concern and sympathy for those here and abroad who are affected by this disaster. We are thinking particularly of members of our community who have family and friends in these areas, alumni living in the region, and colleagues and collaborators.
I encourage students to reach out to the following resources for support:
Personal support services
- Mental Health Portal
- U of T Telus Health Student Support (24/7 support via phone or chat)
Academic support services and/or considerations
- Undergraduate students: Please contact your Faculty or College Registrar
- Graduate students: Please contact your department or the School of Graduate Studies
Faculty, staff and librarians may contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1-855-597-2110.
The federal government, through Global Affairs Canada, provides emergency consular assistance to Canadian citizens abroad. Any Canadian members of our community who are travelling in the affected areas can access these services in the following ways:
- Telephone: By contacting the nearest embassy or consulate, or by calling 011 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or 00800-14-220-0149 (toll free Türkiye)
- E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca
- SMS: +1-613-686-3658
- WhatsApp: +1-613-909-8881
Faculty and staff who registered with International SOS before travelling can also reach out to that service for emergency support.
U of T students abroad, both Canadian and international, can find resources here: https://learningabroad.utoronto.ca/safety-abroad/in-an-emergency/. You can contact us 24/7.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Thank you for supporting one another during this difficult time.
Joseph Wong
Vice-President, International
University of Toronto