On 24 June 2026, Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes that severely affected communities across the country's central and northern regions. While rescue efforts continue, thousands of families are facing the loss of their homes, their livelihoods, and an uncertain future.

In response to this tragedy, a group of Venezuelan chocolate makers, cocoa professionals and friends of Venezuela from around the world have come together to launch this fundraising campaign.

## Who are we?

We are part of the international cocoa and chocolate community. The initiative is supported by organisations and professionals including Aroko Chocolate, Ara Chocolat, Gaia Cacao, Cacao en Broma, Semilla Escuela Cacao, Silvia Guédez, Jonas Rosales, Vanessa Rolfini, Ricardo Trillos (The Choconnector), Corina Gimenez, Cacao Zoku, Yam Yam together with many other chocolate makers, cocoa professionals and volunteers who have joined this collective effort. We are all Venezuelans, and all part of a larger community.

Although many of us now live and work in different countries—primarily across Europe—we remain deeply connected to Venezuela through our work, our friendships and our shared passion for Venezuelan cocoa.

## Why are we raising these funds?

Many of us have spent years working directly with Venezuelan cocoa-growing communities. Some source cocoa from these regions, others produce bean-to-bar chocolate, while others work as educators, consultants, researchers or advocates within the cocoa sector.

These communities are much more than business partners—they are friends, colleagues and families we have worked alongside for many years.

As humanitarian aid is understandably focused on the country's largest cities, we want to ensure that cocoa-growing communities, which are often located in remote rural areas, are not forgotten.

## How will the funds be used?

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Initial reports indicate that cocoa-growing communities such as Cuyagua and Choroní may have suffered significant damage, including the loss of homes and community infrastructure. However, before distributing any funds, we want to verify the needs with trusted local contacts and community members to ensure that every donation reaches the people who need it most.

Our immediate goal is therefore to raise funds now so that assistance is available as soon as the needs have been properly identified.

Once the assessments have been completed, the funds will be directed exclusively to affected cocoa-growing communities. Depending on the confirmed needs, the donations may be used for emergency food and drinking water, temporary shelter, medical supplies, rebuilding homes, restoring community facilities, supporting cocoa farming families, or other urgent recovery efforts identified by the communities themselves.

Whenever possible, support will be provided directly to beneficiaries or through trusted local organisations and community leaders with whom members of this initiative have long-standing relationships.

## Our commitment

Transparency is at the heart of this campaign.

As beneficiary communities are confirmed and funds are distributed, we will publish regular updates detailing:

We believe that solidarity can begin with something as simple as a chocolate bar, a small chocolate shop, a cocoa farm, or one person choosing to help another.

Every contribution, no matter how small, can help rebuild lives and restore hope.

Thank you for standing with Venezuela and with the cocoa communities that have given so much to the world.

Venezuelan Chocolate Makers Around the World, United for Venezuela.