Colombia has become a huge part of my life.

Over the years, I’ve spent a significant amount of time in Colombia, built businesses there, invested in the country, worked alongside Colombians, and developed an online community that reaches millions of people.

Today, I want to use that reach for something much more important.

A powerful earthquake has struck Colombia, causing devastating damage in affected communities. Buildings and homes have been damaged or destroyed, families have been displaced, and communities are now beginning the difficult process of figuring out what comes next.

I’ve been receiving videos and messages directly from people showing what has happened on the ground. Seeing the destruction made me realize that we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to help.

What we’re going to do

I’ve created this fundraiser to provide direct assistance to people and communities affected by the earthquake.

Our first priority will be identifying areas and families with the greatest immediate needs.

Depending on what is needed on the ground, donations may be used for things such as:

* Food and clean drinking water

* Emergency and temporary accommodation

* Clothing, blankets and essential supplies

* Medical and emergency necessities

* Transportation of supplies into affected communities

* Building materials and emergency repairs

* Assistance for families whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed

* Longer-term rebuilding efforts where funds allow

How we will decide who receives help

I don’t want to simply raise money and blindly distribute it.

My team and I will work with people on the ground to identify affected families and communities, verify their circumstances as reasonably as possible, and determine where the money can make the greatest difference.

We will prioritize serious need and verified cases, particularly families who have lost their homes or cannot safely return to them.

As the situation becomes clearer, we will continually update this fundraiser with information about where assistance is being directed.

How the money will get to Colombia

I am organizing this fundraiser from Canada.

Because GoFundMe does not currently support direct withdrawals in Colombia, the funds from this campaign will be received through my Canadian account and then distributed for earthquake relief in Colombia.

Whenever practical, we intend to purchase supplies and materials directly in Colombia, pay verified suppliers or service providers, or provide documented assistance to verified affected families and organizations.

This also allows us to support Colombian businesses and workers while helping affected communities.

Transparency matters

If you’re trusting us with your money, I believe you deserve to know where it goes.

We intend to document the relief effort and provide updates showing how the funds are being used.

We will maintain records of distributions and, wherever reasonably possible, invoices, receipts and other documentation relating to the assistance provided.

If significant funds remain after immediate emergency needs have been addressed, they will continue to be used toward recovery and rebuilding for communities affected by this earthquake.

Every donation matters

You do not need to make a huge donation to make a difference.

If thousands of people contribute $5, $10, $25 or $50, collectively we can provide an enormous amount of help.

And if you’re a business owner, investor, developer or company that wants to contribute supplies, building materials, transportation, accommodation, professional services or a larger financial donation, I would love to have you involved as well.

Colombia has given me and my community so much.

Now it’s our opportunity to give something back.

Please donate whatever you’re comfortable with and share this fundraiser so we can reach as many people as possible.