The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Corporation and Alshaya Group Donate $1 million USD to Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Relief Efforts

10 Feb 2023

As people in Türkiye and surrounding regions continue to deal with the impact of devasting earthquakes this week, The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks Corporation, and Alshaya Group have committed donating a total of $1 million USD to support communities and rescue efforts. In the coming days, Starbucks will also provide ways for our partners (employees) and customers around the world to join in donating.

In the affected cities under the State of Emergency in Türkiye, 500 partners from 40 Starbucks stores have been working together since the earthquakes to support local communities, including providing drinks and food to rescue teams.

The funding will be distributed to several organisations with the goal of providing immediate relief and aid, while also supporting hunger relief, access to clean water and refuge and those internally displaced given that the impacted area was host to many already vulnerable communities.

The Starbucks Foundation will donate to the Global Red Cross Red Crescent teams to provide humanitarian relief such as food, water, hygiene supplies, emergency shelter and medical care; World Central Kitchen – to support emergency meal distribution for impacted communities and first responders; the International Rescue Committee – to support affected communities, which will include the provision of immediate cash, hygiene supplies, health services, and safe spaces for women and children; and Planet Water Foundation – to provide clean, safe drinking water through mobilization of an Aqua Block emergency water system.

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

"Our team on the ground in Türkiye has already been incredibly strong in their response to this crisis, demonstrating a spirit of resilience and compassion that we are truly proud of," commented Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman, Alshaya Group. "Through these donations, we hope we can help the rescue effort and the devasting impact on communities."

Notes to editors

·         Alshaya Group has partnered with Starbucks since 1999 to operate the brand across the Middle East and Türkiye. 

·         The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by the disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law.

·         Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 36,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.