NEW BERLIN — Gov. Kathy Hochul joined Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO and founder of New York State-based food maker Chobani based in New Berlin in Chenango County, to urge New Yorkers to support fundraising efforts following the earthquakes that affected Turkey and Syria.

“Our hearts break for the victims of Turkey’s devastating earthquake, and our thoughts are with the New Yorkers who continue to grieve the losses of their loved ones overseas,” Hochul said. 

“With relief efforts under way, I applaud the members of New York’s business community, like Hamdi and his Chobani family, who have already answered the call to help those in need and I encourage all New Yorkers to consider donating their time or resources to support survivors in any way that they can,” the governor added. 

To date, the New York-based Turkish Philanthropy Fund has disbursed $2 million to aid earthquake victims and has raised approximately $10 million in the earthquake relief effort, the announcement said.

The death toll from the February 6 earthquake is estimated at 47,000 people, with most of the deaths occurring in Turkey. The earthquake and aftershocks have damaged or destroyed more than 200,000 buildings and displaced over two million people, according to the most recent Associated Press reports.  

“We’re witnessing one of the most devastating disasters in the history of Türkiye and the surrounding region. It’s wintertime, it’s cold. The buildings are collapsed, some people are outside, and the death toll has risen to unimaginable numbers,” Ulukaya said. “This is my homeland, and my heart is shattered seeing my brothers and sisters suffer such deep loss.”

“New York holds a special place, it is where Chobani started, and today it is my home. I know New Yorkers are some of the most caring, compassionate people anywhere, and I know they will step up to help. Help is needed now and will continue to be critical as the region rebuilds,” Ulukaya added. “Businesses have a responsibility to be part of the solution, to bring their innovation, resources, and voices — to stand up for common humanity. I’ve asked for, and I’m overwhelmed by, the generosity and compassion of the business community. Having Governor Hochul join in this cause, as she has so willingly done with us on previous humanitarian crises, makes our mission even stronger.” 

New York State is home to more Turkish people than any other state in America, according to the joint announcement.