At its Field Coordination Meeting held in İstanbul with the participation of hundreds of volunteers from across Turkey, TEMA Foundation welcomed renowned musician and songwriter Norm Ender this year. A long-time TEMA Foundation volunteer who has supported environmental efforts and participated in many campaigns, Norm Ender was presented with a plaque in appreciation of his contributions. The event, where he came together with volunteers on the occasion of the 100th year of our Republic, was full of unforgettable moments.
Held under the theme "We Are Committed to Keeping Nature Alive in order to Live," the event brought together approximately 350 participants, including Provincial Representatives, District/Neighborhood Officers, Young TEMA Presidents from 68 provinces, headquarters staff, and members of the TEMA Foundation Board of Directors.
A meaningful event with the participation of Norm Ender on volunteering for nature
On the first day of the event, a panel titled “Music and Volunteering for Nature in the 100th Year of Our Republic” was held with the participation of Norm Ender. The panel began with the screening of a special tribute video prepared for the artist. The video highlighted how Norm Ender’s “Fidan Challenge” campaign, launched after the 2019 İzmir wildfires, evolved into a nationwide social movement and contributed to the planting of 269,028 saplings in İzmir. Following the video, Norm Ender was invited to the stage, where he got a warm round of applause.
"Struggling for Nature is an Honor"
On stage, Norm Ender engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation Deniz Ataç and General Manager Başak Yalvaç Özçağdaş, discussing nature, volunteerism, and the unifying power of music. When General Manager Başak Yalvaç Özçağdaş asked about the significance of the Fidan Challenge campaign, Norm Ender shared the followings:
"Fidan Challenge was a call reminding us of our debt to nature during a time that deeply wounded us all after the İzmir wildfires. This campaign was not just about planting saplings, but also about demonstrating the power of social solidarity. I am truly grateful to TEMA Foundation for its support throughout this process."
In response to a question from Chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation Deniz Ataç about how he interprets the recurring theme of “struggle” in his music in the context of environmental protection, Norm Ender said, “Nature is one of the greatest arenas of struggle for humanity. That’s why fighting for nature is not just a responsibility, but also an honor for us. As artists, it is our duty to inspire people and raise awareness in society. For this reason, I always try to keep the theme of struggle at the forefront in my music."
Joyful Moments with the Centennial Anthem "Parla"
Norm Ender also shared the story behind his anthem “Parla,” which he composed in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Republic, with TEMA Foundation volunteers. Stating that the song has become an anthem uniting people from across the country, Norm Ender described the creative process with these words:
"Parla is not just a song; it is the embodiment of unity and togetherness through music. Celebrating such a major milestone as the 100th anniversary of our Republic was a source of great pride for me. The fact that this song is sung by people of all ages, from 7 to 70, and brings together people from across Türkiye. That is the greatest reward for me."
Norm Ender performed the anthem “Parla” on stage together with the volunteers. Dressed in red and white and waving Turkish flags, the participants joined in singing the song. The enthusiastic voices rising from every corner of the hall created truly unforgettable moments.
Thank-You Plaque to Norm Ender from the TEMA Foundation
At the end of the event, Norm Ender was presented with a thank-you plaque on behalf of the TEMA Foundation in recognition of his contributions to nature and society. Receiving the plaque, Norm Ender expressed his gratitude with the following words:
"Endless thanks to the TEMA Foundation and all the volunteers who accompany me in this process. Every step we take for nature is a step toward leaving a more livable world for future generations."
The event concluded with a group photo of Norm Ender together with TEMA Foundation volunteers. This captured moment became one of the most memorable for those united in their love and dedication to nature.
We are growing hope! The TEMA Foundation
