Ecuador Earthquake Relief Fund

Nearly one year after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Ecuador, our local, high-impact partners are still at work helping people rebuild their lives. The need is still great, but amazing progress has been made so far because of your generosity. Here is some of the work your support has funded since then:

Corporacion Grupo Randi Randi is rebuilding a local library system destroyed by the earthquake. In the meantime, they’re using a biblio-burro – library donkey – as a mobile library to bring books and education to residents in Don Juan, Ecuador.

All Hands Volunteers brought together 394 volunteers from 44 different countries to assist a total of 575 families. 30 families received homes built from sustainable, reinforced material to increase resiliency.

Fundacion Clara Luna is focusing on trainings for community members and programs to ensure stability and security for children affected by the earthquake.

IsraAID is launching a new program they’re calling HoneyAID. By providing training in beekeeping, they’re aiming to strengthen the economic, social, and political empowerment of women in rural communities of Manabí who’ve been affected by last year’s earthquake.

World Vision brought clean water to 50 schools. Wendy, a 12-year-old student, said “We now have delicious water from these tanks, and we can take it directly out without having to boil it or do anything to it. What I like most is that, since it’s very hot and the sun is very strong, my friends and I can run to drink straight out of the tank and the water is so fresh!”

Right now, donations to projects continuing to support recovery in Ecuador are being 100% matched. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of this disaster, it’s important we continue supporting families and communities in Ecuador on the long road to recovery. Please support one of these projects providing rebuilding and recovery before matching funds run out.

Look out for further updates about the progress being made by these organizations and others dedicated helping Ecuador rebuild. Thank you for your generosity, especially ahead of the one-year anniversary of the earthquake.

Warmly,
Britt Lake + the GlobalGiving Team

On April 16, 2016, a 7.8 earthquake struck the northern coast of  Ecuador claiming the lives of 654 people and the destruction of countless homes and buildings. As we approach the anniversary of the disaster, it’s important to reflect on the great work our partners have accomplished and continue to do on the ground. Thanks to your generous donations, our partners were able to lend a helping hand in the ongoing restoration of the Ecuadorian community.

During the aftermath of the earthquake, the YACHANA Foundation centered their emergency response around providing training courses for youth ages 18-24 in construction skills such as masonry, electricity, and carpentry, for the purpose of rebuilding damaged areas. The Foundation hosted courses at the Yachana facilities in which provided housing and free tuition for the young men from affected areas. They were able to focus on three projects, the substructure of a deck, the construction of concrete steps and the construction of a washing area. These projects were able to help the men develop keys skills that they can apply to the work needed in their communities. Take a look at YACHANA’s project, Rebuilding the Future In Coastal Ecuador, to track their progress.

The rehabilitation efforts continue to be a high priority for IsraAID as they create long-term recovery strategies in earthquake-affected communities. So far the project, Emergency Response to the Ecuador Earthquake, has implemented safe water programs that have provided thousand of people with clean water. IsraAID has also given over 1,800 people psychosocial support and nearly 800 people with medical assistance. However, their work doesn’t stop there.  They distributed hygiene kits assisting 1,000 people, back to school supplies to children, and protection kits to women in the refugee site of Maria Auxiliadora.

All Hands Volunteers immediately responded to the disaster by setting up 31 temporary shelters in order to provide a safe and accommodating place for displaced families. For long-term solutions, they selected 30 families affected by the earthquake and constructed 30 homes from the ground up by using sustainable resources like bamboo to stabilize homes and prevent damage from future disasters.

After the earthquake, Israel Foundation - CDC Community Development Center established their recovery efforts in Bahia de Caraquez located in the province of Manabi, to promote micro-economic development and equip families with entrepreneurial skills. In October, the Israel Foundation celebrated the opening of the CDC Community Development Center in Leonidas Plaza where the population was highly impacted by the disaster. During the opening, the organization hosted a workshop where the community worked in teams of 10 to create banners and share their themes. There were also fun activities for the children to participate in such as face painting and creating Christmas crafts. The event was able to unite the community and increase engagement.

Volunteers for Interamerican Development Assistance remains committed to filling containers with medical supplies and equipment to the Guayaquil hospital system. They were able to assist doctors and medical staff with the necessary tools to provide coverage to those affected by the earthquake.

There has been tremendous improvements in the recovery efforts in Ecuador and none of it would’ve been possible without your donations! To continue supporting our partners visit the Ecuador Earthquake Relief Fund.