On August 10, a powerful 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicentre in the department of Chocó. The earthquake caused injuries, loss of life, and widespread damage across 9 states (departamentos). Homes and infrastructure have been damaged, essential services disrupted, and some communities are facing serious difficulties accessing emergency support.

We are launching this fundraiser to support two grassroots initiatives working directly with their communities in Buenaventura and Quibdó.

Both Buenaventura and Quibdó are part of Colombia's Pacific region, where communities have historically being neglected by the state. In the aftermath of the earthquake, these local networks are especially important. Our aim is to contribute resources directly to people and organizations who know their communities and their needs.

For us, solidarity means more than simply sending help from afar. It means building and strengthening relationships between communities, sharing resources, and supporting people who are already organizing and caring for one another on the ground.

Every contribution counts.

Whether you can donate €5, €10, €20, or more, your support can make a difference.

If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign is also an important way to help us reach more people.

Who we are

We are co.hilo, a coffee collective based in Leipzig, Germany, working around coffee, community, and relationships between people in Colombia and Germany.

Our work is based on building direct and long-term relationships with people and communities in Colombia. Our connection to Colombia began through coffee and has grown into relationships that go beyond the exchange of a product.

Who are we raising funds for?

We are raising funds for two community-based initiatives in Colombia:

Collectivo AfroTrans in Buenaventura:

is a community-based organization in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, created by and for the local community, with a particular focus on supporting and strengthening queer and trans communities and experiences.

Fundación Círculo de Estudios in Quibdó:

A civil society organization defending human rights and supporting victims and vulnerable communities through community-based strategies and initiatives.

We are not part of either organization. We are raising these funds as allies and contacts who want to support their work and help channel resources directly to communities affected by the earthquake.

How will the money be spent?

100% of the funds raised through this campaign, minus any unavoidable payment or platform processing fees, will be transferred to the two initiatives above.

The funds will be used according to the needs identified by the organizations and affected communities. This may include:

We will not use the funds for co.hilo's operating costs, salaries, travel, or other unrelated expenses.

We will also communicate updates about the fundraising process and, where possible, provide information about how the funds have been transferred and used.

For us, solidarity means building relationships based on trust, mutual support, and collective responsibility. We believe that people and organizations on the ground should decide what support is most needed.

Thank you for standing in solidarity.