I started this fundraiser to help families and communities affected by the recent earthquake in Armenia, Quindío, Colombia. Armenia is where I’m originally from, and although I now live in Fargo, North Dakota, much of my family and many of my friends still live there. Seeing people from the place I grew up going through this is what moved me to help.

While the entire city was not destroyed, certain neighborhoods and areas of Armenia and surrounding communities in Quindío were affected much more seriously. Some families suffered damage to their homes, while others lost many or all of their belongings and are now in need of immediate help. My family and friends in Armenia are directly connected to people affected by the earthquake and are helping identify families with the greatest needs.

I am raising this money to provide direct assistance to people affected by the earthquake. Donations will be used for food, clean drinking water, clothing, hygiene products, baby supplies and other basic necessities. Funds may also be used for temporary shelter and essential materials needed to repair damaged homes, such as bricks and other basic construction materials.

I will receive the funds here in the United States and send them to trusted family and friends in Armenia who are directly in the community. They will purchase and distribute supplies and assistance to affected families based on where the need is greatest. This fundraiser is not only for my own family or people I personally know—we want to help as many affected families as the donations allow.

I will do my best to share updates, photos, receipts and information about how the donations are being used so everyone who contributes can see where their support is going.

If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you cannot donate, simply sharing this fundraiser can also make a difference. To everyone here in Fargo, across the United States, and anywhere else who supports this effort thank you for helping people thousands of miles away.

Let’s show Armenia Colombia that they are not alone. ❤️