Two massive back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela Wednesday night, killing at least 589 people, injuring nearly 3,000 and trapping 200 beneath collapsed buildings. Many Venezuelans inside the country and in the diaspora still don鈥檛 know the whereabouts of family members and loved ones.
In South Florida, multiple initiatives have been started to collect and deliver humanitarian aid into the country.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) effort
One of them is Doral's Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) working in partnership with We Love Foundation.
鈥淲e call to all the Venezuelan and Latino people here in Miami to put a hand to your heart and think of our Venezuelan brothers and sisters, because they really need us," said Francine De La Rosa, executive board member for GEM.
READ MORE: 'Terrifying': Venezuelan diaspora's desperate search for information after deadly earthquake
GEM is collecting and assessing food, water, hygiene supplies, medical necessities and other emergency relief items to send to Venezuela as soon as possible. De La Rosa said they already have people on the ground and should be able to get aid to affected areas in the next 24 to 48 hours. The organization is also working in partnership with Venezuelan aid groups like Caritas Venezuela and local Jewish community groups to set up centers in Caracas where people can receive the aid collected.
In the meantime, De la Rosa said the best help they can get is in the form of donations to the campaign fund so that they can send to partner organizations in Venezuela and get more immediate assistance to those affected. You can donate to GEM . GEM is also accepting volunteers at their Doral headquarters at 1850 NW 84th Avenue, Suite 100.
Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce effort
Another fundraising campaign comes from the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce, or the VACC Foundation, a nonprofit organization of Venezuelan-owned businesses in Doral. They are raising funds to support the emergency response and relief efforts like the distribution of food, water, medicine and shelter for affected families.
鈥淚n these critical moments in the first 72 hours, when the priority is saving lives from under the rubble, the way we can help is fundraising to help with the logistics here in South Florida,鈥� said VACC Director Lesly Simon.
Working along with partners in Venezuela, Simon said the funds collected are needed on the ground.
鈥淭hese funds are being used in Venezuela to buy food for volunteers and first responders, to buy gloves, shovels and all types of materials needed in hospitals and search and rescue,鈥� Simon said. You can donate to VACC .
Additionally, UNICEF USA is also mobilizing efforts toward emergency response in Venezuela. They aim to provide emergency supplies for children and families impacted by the earthquakes, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services and health and nutrition support. You can donate UNICEF USA .
Tracking missing family members
Other efforts led by Venezuelans inside the country consist of websites used to track missing family members and loved ones.
Websites like and are being widely circulated for people to register their loved ones with a name, picture and last known location and help find others on the site.
Venezuelans inside the country are also sharing through social media written lists of names and ID numbers in specific communities in Caracas, with celebrities like singer them for visibility.
Local and national efforts
There are various South Florida businesses and groups collecting donations to send to Venezuela, as well as other national organizations raising funds for partners inside the country. Here is a list of other ways you can help.
- Venezuelan restaurant is collecting donations in their Pembroke Pines location at 2010 N Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, Fl.
- The City of will receive donations on June 28 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- In Palm Beach County, the event center is collecting donations Fri-Sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 271A, Wellington, Fl.
- USA for UNHCR has a fundraising campaign to help families rebuild after the tragedy. You can donate .
- International non-governmental organization Project HOPE has a fundraising campaign for their health facilities treating patients and providing emergency care in Venezuela. You can donate .
- National nonprofit Direct Relief has a fundraising campaign to mobilize emergency medical aid and support search and rescue operations. You can donate .
