A Message of Gratitude and Solidarity with Chocó

https://youtube.com/shorts/bUmohzXfzRg?si=oJDE2GRT5KnnwfdS

Hello, everyone:

I’m writing to express my deepest gratitude to everyone in Colombia and around the world who has rallied to help Chocó in the wake of the devastation that was exacerbated by the earthquake on August 10.

There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the way so many people have responded, helping in every way possible: with clothing, food, personal hygiene items, medicine, and now, materials and resources for reconstruction.

In the midst of this tragedy, we have been able to see the face of that compassionate Colombia that has welcomed us and shown us that our pain is also theirs.

While the earthquake had a massive impact on the region, it also brought into even sharper relief the needs that Chocó has faced for decades.

During the days I spent reporting on this tragedy, I was struck—and deeply saddened—to see that the electricity service remains the same—or even worse—than when I lived in Colombia 25 years ago. And as for water, needless to say.

Access to basic services such as drinking water and electricity remains a reality that many people in Chocó cannot fully, consistently, and with dignity enjoy.

While we wait for those solutions—someday—I’ve been thinking that we, too, can do something concrete.

Through the Jang-Calderón Family Foundation, and with contributions from my friends and anyone else who wishes to get involved, we are purchasing and distributing solar lamps and water filters to affected families.

And it doesn’t end there. In January, we plan to distribute school supply kits so that children in Chocó can start the year with the tools they need to study.

It’s a small contribution given the magnitude of the needs, but I’m convinced that when each of us contributes what we can, solidarity turns into hope, and hope turns into action.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped, to those who continue to help, and to those who wish to join this effort.

Thank you for standing with Chocó. Thank you for not turning a blind eye. And, above all, thank you for showing the world that when Colombia suffers, Colombia also knows how to embrace one another.