JERSEY Overseas Aid has pledged £250,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to support relief efforts in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes which have claimed more than 3,300 lives and displaced thousands more.
The organisation announced on Tuesday morning that it will provide £150,000 to the British Red Cross and £100,000 to Save the Children to help deliver life-saving assistance to communities affected by the disaster.
The funding will support the provision of emergency shelter, clean water, food and medical supplies in areas hardest hit by the two powerful earthquakes, which struck north-central Venezuela on 24 June.
Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Chair of the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Venezuela as they face the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.
“Jersey’s support will help ensure that vital aid reaches those who need it most, reflecting our Island’s commitment to global solidarity by helping those affected by humanitarian crises such as this. We also extend our deepest sympathies to Islanders who have family and friends impacted by this disaster.”
JOA said it would continue to monitor the situation closely through its international partners as search and rescue operations continue.
It comes after St Helier barber Mariano Ferreira launched an Islandwide appeal for donations of essential goods following the death of his brother, Javier, a former Jersey café worker, in the disaster.
Mr Ferreira has since raised almost €5,000 and received so many donations of food, clothing and essential supplies that he has now closed the collection and is preparing to send the aid to Venezuela later this week.
