Dear Friends,

I would appreciate if you consider supporting the efforts of the organizations seeking to raise funds to the earthquake victims in my native country, Ecuador.

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador on April 16 costing the lives of 700 people, and two smaller quakes – both above 6.7 in magnitude – hit the country’s Pacific coast on Wednesday May 18.

Supporting the displaced earthquake victims is a long-term effort that requires funding and support from many agencies. A committee of Texas-based Ecuador natives is planning several events to coordinate relief support and fundraising activities.

Bonding Against Adversity, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is hosting a donation event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 21 at 12700 Northborough Drive in Houston where the following donations will be accepted:
· Bedsheet sets

· Dust masks

· Tents

· Cleaning supplies

· Personal hygiene products

· Baby diapers

· Mosquito repellent

· Energy bars

The group is also soliciting monetary donations on its website at bondingagainstadversity.org/w/ecuador-earthquake-relief.

In addition, the Houston Guayaquil Sister City Association (HGSCA), a non-profit 501c3 organization created to foster opportunities and goodwill between Guayaquil, Ecuador, and Houston, is hosting a $20-per-ticket furniture lottery via its website at www.hgsca.org/#!events/dwfhz, to raise relief funds.

Thalia