UPDATE TO FUNDRAISER FROM CLAUDIA:

After being contacted by communities directly on the ground supporting those affected by the earthquake, we would like to shift how our donations are being used to ensure the funds are reaching those who need immediate support. Due to the large number of donations, we will be supporting La Granja Infantil Jesús de la Buena Esperanza in rural Pereira - a children's home for those who have experienced abuse and abandonment. The sanctuary is a safe home that also provides education and mental health support. 120 children currently reside at the home, and after the earthquake, the roof collapsed on the sleeping area. There is now no safe place for them to sleep. Alongside this, large portions of the home have to be rebuilt as the infrastructure is no longer suitable to be inhabited or entered.

Having made direct contact with the headteacher of the children's home, we have decided that a portion of our funds should go towards this cause to help reconstruct the damaged areas. I will continue to have contact with the headteacher, and I will visit the home in October 2026, where I can see firsthand how the funds are being used. Going forward, we have decided that once we reach our goal, the money will be donated in the following way:

As a breakdown of expenses, the funds will go towards:

----

In response to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10th in Colombia, we are currently raising funds to support the communities most affected.

As a Colombian mother who advocates for the recognition of Latin Americans, and a young person based in the U.K., we want to do our best to support those living through the natural disaster despite living in the diaspora. For us, it’s about making sure the money raised reaches people who need it, through an organisation that already has the capacity to respond on the ground. Therefore, all donations made to this GoFundMe will be sent to two different charities:

The first half will go to La Cruz Roja Colombia - a private, non-profit humanitarian institution whose purpose is to “Prevent and alleviate the suffering of people in all circumstances.”

We’ve chosen to give part of the money raised to the Cruz Roja Colombiana because they have the experience, infrastructure and trained teams to respond directly to emergencies and reach communities affected by disasters.

They provide essential support such as medical care, emergency supplies, shelter, psychological support, search and rescue, and help with recovery. They also work across Colombia, including vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.

As a breakdown of expenses, the funds will go towards:

(https://www.cruzrojacolombiana.org/)

The second half will go to Children Change Colombia - an international children’s charity working to ensure that children and young people in Colombia can enjoy their right to a safe, happy childhood and a fulfilling future. We have chosen this charity as Claudia has worked with them in the past, and their efforts go towards supporting emergencies in Chocó and rural communities - areas of the country that go ignored.

As a breakdown of expenses, the funds will go towards:

(https://childrenchangecolombia.org/)

Every donation matters, and if you aren't able to, please share our GoFundMe with people who may be able to help!

From,

Claudia Lopez-Prieto (@la_mslopez) & Lorena

Photos of La Granja Infantil Jesús de la Buena Esperanza below: