One month after a pair of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, members of Ottawa’s Venezuelan community gathered Sunday to send a message they say is simple: Don’t forget the people still trying to rebuild. A group of people gathered at the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument as part of the worldwide Rise Up, Venezuela campaign, calling for continued humanitarian support and international attention as recovery efforts continue. “This is a worldwide campaign to give a message of hope,” said Aymara Agreda, a grassroots captain with the initiative. “We want the people of Venezuela to know they are not alone.” For many in attendance, the crisis is deeply personal. Zully Alvarado, who was born in Caracas and has lived in Canada for nearly 50 years, said she still has family in Venezuela and worries about those affected by the disaster. “It’s been one month and two days since this happened, and there’s so much devastation,” she said. “My heart is there very much.” Organizers say Sunday’s rally was inspired by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s call for Venezuelans around the world to help support their country’s recovery while keeping international attention focused on the humanitarian crisis. Agreda said many communities continue to face significant challenges accessing the help they need and urged Canada to remain engaged in relief efforts. “We are really thankful to Canada for all the support they’ve given us,” she said. “We would like the Government of Canada to continue helping the people of Venezuela.” The federal government recently announced it will match eligible donations to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, up to $7 million, through participating humanitarian organizations. Organizers hope Sunday’s rally encourages Canadians to continue supporting relief efforts while ensuring those affected by the earthquakes are not forgotten. The two earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on June 24 have killed over 5,000 people, according to the government. Early assessments have found the disaster caused an estimated US$19.6 billion in direct physical damage, a number that is likely to grow, according to the World Bank.
