Hi, my name is Carlos Pires. I am a faculty member at North Dakota State University, and I am fundraising to help families in my home state in Southern Brazil. Massive flooding and landslides triggered by days of heavy rain in Brazil's southernmost state have killed 56 people. Officials say another 67 people are missing in Rio Grande do Sul. Nearly 25,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes since the storms began last Saturday. At least 500,000 people are without power and clean water, with further rainfall expected.

The funds will help families buy whatever they need to rebuild their lives, including mattresses, blankets, clothes, and hygiene materials.

After withdrawal, the money will be converted to Brazilian Real and transferred to Brazil and shared between the nonprofit organization "Instituto do Amor - @institutodiadoamor" and directly to people who were affected in the Taquari River Valley.