Aid for Venezuelan Refugees in Manizales, Colombia
Donation protected
Like most cities across Colombia, Manizales, the city in which I currently reside has experienced an influx of Venezuelan refugees in recent months. To escape starvation, violence, and a lack of opportunity in Venezuela, many of the refugees that I have met walked for over 20 days and left their families, educational aspirations, and jobs in order to escape Maduro's oppressive regime and support family members that remain in Venezuela with remittances.
Currently, their main source of income comes from selling Bolívares, a currency rendered useless due to hyperinflation, or selling candy on the street. Unfortunately, finding formal employment has proven to be very difficult, as most Venezuelans in Colombia are ineligible for work permits after crossing illegally. Most micro-loans are still too large, and the the interest rate, although small, poses a barrier when any additional income is dedicated to covering daily costs of food and shelter.
While establishing more informal employment opportunities that are more sustainable and lucrative (giving Spanish lessons, house cleaning, etc.), is the goal, I am looking to fundraise to provide some immediate relief for families to supplement the approximately $5 a day most make through selling currency and begging on the streets.
The funds raised through this platform would cover basic necessities (food, medicine, diapers, clothing, rent money, etc.) for a group of eleven adults and five children, and will be distributed in late December/early January.
Any donation would be greatly appreciated (dollars go far here!) and help bring relief, security, and dignity to these extremely deserving, kind, and gracious people.
Additionally, while I feel compelled to help the people I have personally met in Manizales, (where there are very few NGOs operating specifically to help Venezuelans, as most organizations operate at the border in Cúcuta) the International Rescue Committee is another great option if you are more comfortable donating to a designated 501(c)(3): https://www.rescue.org/country/colombia
Please note that the picture has been used with the permission, and I am happy to provide receipts/proof of purchase for all items purchased.
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Con cariño,
Olivia
Currently, their main source of income comes from selling Bolívares, a currency rendered useless due to hyperinflation, or selling candy on the street. Unfortunately, finding formal employment has proven to be very difficult, as most Venezuelans in Colombia are ineligible for work permits after crossing illegally. Most micro-loans are still too large, and the the interest rate, although small, poses a barrier when any additional income is dedicated to covering daily costs of food and shelter.
While establishing more informal employment opportunities that are more sustainable and lucrative (giving Spanish lessons, house cleaning, etc.), is the goal, I am looking to fundraise to provide some immediate relief for families to supplement the approximately $5 a day most make through selling currency and begging on the streets.
The funds raised through this platform would cover basic necessities (food, medicine, diapers, clothing, rent money, etc.) for a group of eleven adults and five children, and will be distributed in late December/early January.
Any donation would be greatly appreciated (dollars go far here!) and help bring relief, security, and dignity to these extremely deserving, kind, and gracious people.
Additionally, while I feel compelled to help the people I have personally met in Manizales, (where there are very few NGOs operating specifically to help Venezuelans, as most organizations operate at the border in Cúcuta) the International Rescue Committee is another great option if you are more comfortable donating to a designated 501(c)(3): https://www.rescue.org/country/colombia
Please note that the picture has been used with the permission, and I am happy to provide receipts/proof of purchase for all items purchased.
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Con cariño,
Olivia
Organizer
Olivia Day
Organizer
Westport, CT
