Help Victims of Volcano Fuego
Volcan Fuego erupted yesterday, June 3, and a massive pyroclastic flow ran down the side of the mountain, obliterating at least two villages. There was no time to evacuate and people were trapped or killed. The official death count is over 40 now, with many more to come.
According to official reports, over 3,000 people have been evacuated and of those, more than 1,700 are in shelters right now. There are badly burned people filling the hospitals in the city.
We live near Antigua, just a short distance from the areas affected and are collecting funds to provide supplies to the survivors. We will be purchasing water (the greatest need at the moment), non-perishable food, diapers, and basic medicines to donate to the shelters where the survivors are staying. I will post photos of everything here to show where the money is going.
Even a few dollars can help, since we can stretch the money by purchasing in bulk. Thank you. See more official photos and info here.
Who we are: I am a Canadian expat living in Guatemala for the past 16 years and my husband, Irving, is from here. We have three sons, ages 6, 11, and 12, who are also helping.
Our relationship to the victims: We live just 20 miles from this event and have worked with the local hospital and first responders over the years to help them get the medical supplies necessary. We are using our contacts, as well as new contacts within CONRED to ensure the donations go where most needed.
How funds will be spent: Most of the shelters have enough food and water right now. The biggest need is medical supplies. We will be spending the money on:
- Burn creams and dressings
- IV supplies
- Boots for first responders (theirs keep melting off)
- Painkillers
- Antibiotics
- Hygiene kits (with soap, wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc.)
- And other supplies, as they are requested.
How the money is getting here: My sister in Canada is accepting the money into her bank account and transferring it to me here in Guatemala.
Thank you for your support.
