Dear All Hands & Hearts Family,
Just weeks have passed since I last wrote to you from Venezuela, where our team’s recovery activities still take place every day. Today, however, I am checking in from Pereira, Colombia. Our team was on the ground within hours after the earthquake, delivering the first tools to Search and Rescue teams. Ever since, our operations have expanded, and now include around-the-clock support in the city of Cali.
The widespread damage, all across the region, makes this response incredibly difficult. With the number of skilled and equipped rescue workers being small in comparison with the size of the disaster, you see a huge volunteer surge happening.
People like John López, a spinning top toy champion from Pereira. When the earthquake hit, John set everything aside, put on barely any equipment, and immediately joined rescue efforts. We’re equipping them with helmets, gloves, and face masks–all necessary to make the work as safe as possible.
John has helped save 45 individuals from the rubble. Watch his powerful story here:
At our operational base in downtown Pereira, it’s a come and go of motorcycles. Many streets are closed due to collapsed buildings, so distribution is best with a small vehicle or by foot. Needs assessments take place in real time and generators, high-powered lights, headlamps, grinders, cutting discs, chain saws, sledgehammers and medical supplies are being delivered within no time by our local team and volunteers.
At the same time, our team in Cali is expanding assessments and relief efforts beyond the city into smaller municipalities including Dagua, La Cumbre, Restrepo, Vijes, La Unión and Calima-Darién, working alongside local partners to reach communities where assistance has been slower to arrive.
Tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes and are living on the streets, so we are distributing tents and tarps, mattresses, blankets and pillows. While temperatures rise during the day, at night it gets cold and many only have with them the items they could immediately take when they ran out of their buildings.
Yesterday, I joined the team to distribute hygiene kits at an indigenous community center. In the overcrowded space filled with mothers and babies, we met Tatiana, who told us about her life prior to the event. She would make necklaces with small colorful beads. She learned the techniques from her mother and grandmother at age 5, and of course, for the photo she changed twice to an every time bigger necklace. The colors and patterns represent Union, because she said, “that’s what we need most right now”.
Across the world, eyes are on the two severely impacted countries, Venezuela and Colombia, and while today I talk about the urgent stabilization of basic human needs, we’re cognizant that it’s going to require the help of many to rebuild in the months and years ahead.
Lastly, I’m honored to share that All Hands & Hearts has been selected as a charity partner for the Unidos por los Nuestros concert taking place on Sunday in Miami!The night of solidarity, unity and hope is led by Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Ricardo Montaner and many more. Funds raised will go to support the victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.
With so much gratitude,
Nicolette Koeman
Chief Engagement Officer
Make a Difference
We’re just at the beginning of this response, and the need is growing. Your support allows us to continue showing up by working alongside communities, supporting local efforts, and doing everything we can in the coming weeks to help families recover.
Thank you for your support.
