My name is Sara Bedoya, and I’m from Quindío, Colombia.

On August 10, I experienced the earthquake that struck our region. With its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, the earthquake had a devastating impact on communities across Chocó, Cali, Armenia, Pereira, and surrounding areas.

My family and I are safe, and thankfully, we only suffered material damage. But this was not the case for many people around us. Homes were damaged, roofs collapsed, and families are now facing the difficult task of rebuilding and finding safe places to live.

If you know Quindío, you know that our region is known for its beautiful traditional architecture, much of it built with older materials and structures that were particularly vulnerable to the force of the earthquake. Many people simply do not have the resources to make the necessary repairs.

I am starting this fundraiser because I have seen firsthand the needs of the people around me, and I want to help in the most direct and meaningful way I can.

Some of the funds will go toward specific cases that I already know about, including helping people who lost absolutely everything find a safe place to stay. I also hope to help repair my family’s farm, where the roof tiles and walls were damaged. People and families live there, and they deserve a clean, safe, and secure place to live.

The funds raised will also be shared with official organizations working to support communities in the Chocó region. Because of the area’s vulnerable infrastructure, these communities have been among the hardest hit by this disaster, and they are in urgent need of support.

Every donation, no matter the amount, can make a difference. My goal is to use these funds responsibly and transparently, helping people with immediate needs while also contributing to the recovery of homes and communities affected by this earthquake.

If you would like your donation to support a specific person, family, or need, please reach out to me directly. I am more than willing to serve as a bridge between your generosity and someone who needs help.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for caring about our communities, and for helping us rebuild. Your support means more than you know.

How I’m Connected to Those We’re Helping

The earthquake directly affected my family, our coffee farms, Café Jesús Martín, and many people in the surrounding communities.

How the Funds Will Be Transferred

The funds raised through GoFundMe will be received by me and transferred directly to Colombia, where they can be used to support the affected families and properties.

I will coordinate the distribution of the funds locally, prioritizing urgent repairs and making sure the money reaches the people who need it most. When possible, funds will be paid directly toward construction materials, roofing supplies, labor, and repairs rather than being used for unrelated expenses.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The funds will go toward rebuilding and repairing homes, roofs, and coffee-farm infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

The immediate priority is helping families restore safe shelter and protecting the coffee farms from further damage caused by exposure to rain and the elements. Funds may be used for roofing materials, construction supplies, labor, and other essential repairs identified as the recovery continues.