How to Support Ecuador Earthquake Relief Efforts
The Current Situation in Ecuador
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Ecuador April 16 was felt as far as neighboring Colombia. At time of writing, news outlets are reporting over 400 killed and 2,000 injured. Relief organizations, many of which also responded to the horrible earthquake in Nepal last year, are already taking action to support Ecuador earthquake relief and recovery efforts.
Organizations Supporting Ecuador Relief Efforts
These Classy partners are in need of immediate support to mobilize and maintain their on-the-ground response teams. Click the name of the nonprofit to donate directly to its Ecuador effort.
Airlink
Airlink is a nonprofit that bridges the gap between relief organizations and airlines, so pre-qualified nonprofits can get to the site of a disaster as soon as possible. You can read more about their unique approach to emergency response in their new blog post that details the Ecuador effort, by the hour. (You can also donate airline miles!)
All Hands Volunteers
All Hands Volunteers addresses immediate and long-term needs of communities affected by natural disasters. Their organization is already in Ecuador assessing the damage. Follow the latest updates on their operation here.
Heifer International
Heifer International is a long-standing organization that works to alleviate poverty worldwide. In Ecuador, they’ve supported small-scale farmers to establish community cooperatives and new economic opportunities through community tourism and agriculture. Through their campaign page, you can launch an individual fundraising page to benefit Heifer’s emergency response efforts in the region. Read day-by-day updates on their blog.
Operation USA
Operation USA is an international relief agency that responds to natural disasters, disease and poverty. They have worked in 99 countries in the last 37 years and were even the co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize. They’ve worked in Ecuador since its major 1987 earthquake.
Read their press release that details a specific plan of action for the Ecuador effort. They’re requesting donations for immediate relief, funding for local partner agencies on-the-ground, and are also looking for corporate sponsors in healthcare, transportation, water purification, construction, and energy.
Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse has operated since 1970 and has a long history of providing services for humanitarian emergencies and poverty alleviation. Starting Wednesday, April 20th, the organization will deliver a field hospital and staff via three flights. The mobile hospital can treat more than 100 people per day. Read more about the major effort in their recent blog post.
World Food Program
The World Food Program has a proven track record responding to humanitarian crises worldwide. They’re working with the Ecuadorian government to get food assistance to 20,000 of the earthquake’s most vulnerable victims.
WorldVentures Foundation
WorldVentures Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that partners with other nonprofits to implement health, happiness, safety, and development programs for children. They’re supporting their Waves for Water global partner by raising $2,500 for clean drinking water that will reach over 5,000 people.
Image Credit: Simon Matzinger
