My name is Fernanda, I am a Brazilian tech executive originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil. I live in Switzerland. You can check more about me in my LinkedIn page .

My hometown and state back in Brazil are being devastated by heavy rain which is causing floods with an impact never seen before.

It is not just one city affected, it is over 400 cities in my home state that have been completely submerged in water. Roads have been carried by the force of water. Some of my family, friends and their friends and family have lost everything they have. So far near 150 people have lost their lives and over 100 are still missing. The rains haven't stopped and the forecast for the next 10 days is still of more rain.

As I write this post, Lake Guaiba is 5.20 meters above regular water levels. The official government published numbers are accessible here .

I am here begging everyone I know for help. I am working with local Brazilian furniture manufactures to build small sets of furniture for families to have something to start with for a new beginning in their lives. I would like to impact as many families as possible, and am working with my family locally to accomplish this goal.

My personal goal is to build and distribute at least 100 sets of furniture, hopefully 500 if I can count with your help. They will contain a couple of kitchen cabinets with sink, a small dining table and stools, and a small couch. If we have the budget, I will add a small wardrobe too. I am personally committed in sponsoring the first 100. I want your help to reach 500.

Please I implore you do spread the word and share this campaign. Please help the people of Rio Grande do Sul to bounce back. I will be forever grateful to you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.