Morocco Earthquake - High Atlas Relief fund

A powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, September 8th, causing extensive devastation and a tragic loss of life. Over 2,000 people have tragically perished, while more than 10,000 are still unaccounted for, with countless others suffering injuries and various forms of hardship. Fate has placed me and several members of my family in Marrakech at this very moment. Our original plan was to go on a week-long trek through the Atlas Mountains, culminating in an ascent of Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak, alongside our longstanding local family friends and guides. It's worth noting that our family has deep-rooted connections to Morocco.

We felt the full brunt of the earthquake's force but are incredibly fortunate to report that we are all unharmed, for which we are profoundly grateful. However, we believe that this is also an opportunity for us to take action and make a positive difference.

The earthquake's impact is far-reaching, affecting not only the city but, most significantly, the Atlas Mountains, which are the ancestral home of the Berber People. While the city is expected to receive the lion's share of assistance, the remote villages nestled at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 meters (6,000 to 12,000 feet) are in danger of receiving the least and potentially last aid.

It took us 24 hours to fully comprehend what could and should be done, but we have now devised a plan for immediate action that we hope will have lasting effects. We've engaged in extensive discussions with our friends to determine the most urgent needs. It's evident that multiple villages have been cut off from the outside world and are in dire need of food and first aid supplies. Consequently, we've decided to organize at least one, if not several, treks to the remote corners of the Atlas Mountains to provide this essential assistance. We will coordinate with local mule and donkey handlers to transport supplies. We will drive as far as we can and then we will trek for 3 to 4 hours to reach the first village. We already know that approximately 60 families are in immediate need. After aiding these communities, we will press on to assist additional villages until our supplies are depleted. At that point, we will return for more provisions to continue our mission.

This is where we request your support. If you could contribute to fund this endeavor, every dollar will be dedicated to the cause. We are committed to sustaining this initial relief effort for as long as necessary. Any surplus funds will be set aside for long-term rebuilding initiatives, whether through our trusted local contacts or established NGOs.

I'd like to emphasize one more important point. The Berber people are truly remarkable individuals with big hearts. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked in times of need. Simply showing the world's support and care for them would be a powerful testament to our shared love and humanity.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your generosity and support mean the world to us and, more importantly, to those in desperate need.

With sincere gratitude,

JC, Catherine, Philippe, Henri and the entire family clan.