Fallen Virunga Rangers Fund - April 2020 attack
Donation protected
On April 24, 2020 a tragic attack occurred near the headquarters of Virunga National Park in Rumangabo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sadly, 13 rangers and park employees lost their lives when they were on their way back to headquarters and met with an ambush. Many ran to protect civilians who were initially targeted and were unfortunately killed in the process.
The Park confirmed the perpetrators of this attack were the armed group FDLR-FOCA. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda group and affiliated Abacunguzi Fighting Forces, also known as Mai-Mai rebels, have operated in eastern DR Congo for decades. While this group and others continually threaten the mission of conservation in the region, Park Rangers and employees continue to be dedicated to the cause of protecting endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife - in the home of one of Africa's most biodiverse regions.
While the Park maintains a Fallen Rangers Fund, a group of local tour operators want to ensure that the families of these 13 employees are able to do more than just survive in the face of this tragedy. They are hoping to raise $13,000 ($1,000/family). Any amount you can donate will go towards supporting the families' livelihoods as they begin their lives without their loved ones.
The tour operators have also set up an option to purchase small cards in memoriam to support this fund. They are available to purchase at $5/each (see photos).
The Park confirmed the perpetrators of this attack were the armed group FDLR-FOCA. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda group and affiliated Abacunguzi Fighting Forces, also known as Mai-Mai rebels, have operated in eastern DR Congo for decades. While this group and others continually threaten the mission of conservation in the region, Park Rangers and employees continue to be dedicated to the cause of protecting endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife - in the home of one of Africa's most biodiverse regions.
While the Park maintains a Fallen Rangers Fund, a group of local tour operators want to ensure that the families of these 13 employees are able to do more than just survive in the face of this tragedy. They are hoping to raise $13,000 ($1,000/family). Any amount you can donate will go towards supporting the families' livelihoods as they begin their lives without their loved ones.
The tour operators have also set up an option to purchase small cards in memoriam to support this fund. They are available to purchase at $5/each (see photos).
Organizer
Megan Reeve Snair
Organizer
Chardon, OH
