KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Yassin Terou, owner of Knoxville staple Yassin’s Falafel House, is doing his part to help those affected by two earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The restaurant owner decided to make a trip overseas to help those in need after raising almost $200,000 with an online fundraiser.
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Terou is a Syrian refugee who came to the United States in 2010. With most of his family still living in Syria and a brother in Gaziantep, Turkey, the charity effort is a personal one.
“My goal is spread love to our community and build bridges between people in need,” Terou said, referencing his mission to spread kindness in the Knoxville community. He’s partnered with Syria Relief and Development and Celebratemercy, nonprofits now aimed at bringing meals to those in need after the crisis.
Terou took a small team to Turkey to hand out supplies, food and more and has been cataloging the trip on Twitter. In his latest update, Terou was representing the Volunteer State, decked out in Tennessee orange.
All orange me and my other two brothers getting things ready for the night on gaziantep tray to change the mood and give some emotional support to the kids affected by the earthquake .#earthquakeinturkeyandsyria pic.twitter.com/llmTlxrLcO
The fundraiser will be up until Thursday; those interested in donating to the cause can do so here.
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