Hello Friends,

On Tuesday, March 24, my Ecuadorian family's house burned to the ground. We don't know for sure, but it seems like it was caused by an exploding propane tank -- the fire burned so hot it left absolutely nothing but ashes and a few pieces of crumpled metal.

Fortunately, no humans were there. I understand that a rooster and Pepa, the sweet parrot, perished, which saddens me deeply, but all the other animals escaped.

Eugenio, who is as close to me as a brother, is left with nothing but the clothes on his back and his phone. He lost all of his possessions and the house that he so proudly built with his own hands.

Neighbors have rallied to raise a little bit of money for Eugenio to be able to eat and buy another set of clothes, but to be able to sustain himself much less to replace the house and all of his possessions will take... who knows? Eugenio has no savings, no insurance, and no government help.

If you can contribute to this emergency fund, we would be so grateful. Any amount will help us rebuild, not only Eugenio's home, but his life.

With deep appreciation,

Sharon