Support Amazon frontline communities

Lindsey Spinks is organizing this fundraiser.

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For years, I have lived in and worked with indigenous communities in the Ecuadorean Amazon.

Located on the frontline, they are under threat from extractive industries such as Oil and Mining, which are contaminating water sources and putting communities and their well-being under threat.

Located at the Headwaters of the Amazon, the impact of contaminated water not only affects the immediate communities but all communities downstream.

10 years ago, I was blessed to live in the community of Moretecocha where I was welcomed and taken care of like their daughter.

During this time I was able to experience an authentic Amazonian life and understand on a much deeper level the problems faced by Amszonian communities and individuals.

During this time, I worked with community leaders to keep oil company Agip out of their territory and supported a legal case to stop to illegal logging.

I became part of the community and established strong relationships with people I am still close to and who need help.

I realised that, in order to protect the environment, we need to look at drivers for environmental destruction.

Some communities vote in favour of oil and mining and illegally fell timber to meet economic needs.

I therefore set up my project Sacha Spirit to support the women, especially, to make an income from their handicrafts , including jewellery.

However, this is not enough and there are many needs, especially for the families I know very closely.

Over the past 10 years, I have maintained my connection with Moretecocha and have supported people with their needs, mainly medical needs as well as raising money to install laptops in the school and sending volunteers to clean the river, teach English etc.

Over the years I have also developed strong connections with other communities and community leaders, including Elsa Cerda from Serena in Napo province which is on the front line of mining in Napo and other women and women’s groups.

This means I’m very much at grass roots level and in touch with peoples needs.

I am frequently contacted by individuals and community leaders asking for help and would like to have a fund to be able to support in this grass roots and effective way.

I would also like to cover my expenses which I have been paying out of my pocket. Everything I do for free-this is an act of service from me, for my love of the Amazon and its people.

What I have supported with so far:

* Immediate and long-term medical needs for several individuals

* Travel expenses for community members and leaders in particular to-from their territory and to important meetings e.g. in Quito

* Replacement phone for community leader

* Accommodation for vulnerable young women so they can study on Shell

* Head torches for communities, including Yuturi warmi to help with their nightly patrols

* Support team women’s leaders including an event for women’s Day

* Contribution to a legal case for a mother to get support for her children

I would like to raise money to reimburse myself for these costs and to have an ongoing fund to be able to support people.

I also need funding for:

* A drill for the women of Moretecocha to make the handicrafts

* To increase my support for community leaders I support - women in particular

*To support Elsa Cerda and Yuturi Warmi to protect their land

*To continue to help with medical expenses

*To cover my Visa and travel and other costs within Ecuador

*To replace my stolen Laptop

I will be making a list of accounts available via a link for anyone to check. Transparency is key, especially when we are working as an interface between worlds.

As a bridge, I feel a duty of care to those who support me and those I support.

I feel I’m effective and what I do, but I need help so please donate and be part of grass roots action at the heart of the world!

Thank you! Makaté! Pagrachu!