Lanzarote Launches Community-Led Appeal to Support Colombia Earthquake Victims
Lanzarote has come together in a remarkable display of international solidarity by launching a new initiative aimed at supporting communities devastated by the recent Colombia earthquake. The campaign, known as “Canary Islands Embraces Colombia Today”, brings together residents, businesses, charities and public institutions to coordinate practical humanitarian assistance for those most in need.
The initiative reflects the close ties between the Canary Islands and the Colombian community living across Lanzarote and La Graciosa, with organisers determined to ensure that any aid sent reaches the people who need it most.
A Coordinated Response from Lanzarote
The working group was officially established in Arrecife following a meeting attended by local government representatives, community leaders, volunteers and members of the Colombian community. Rather than launching an immediate fundraising campaign, the group’s first priority is to assess exactly what is required before collecting or sending assistance.
Organisers say this careful approach will ensure that donations are targeted, transparent and delivered through trusted organisations already working on the ground in Colombia.
The Scale of the Colombia Earthquake
The devastating earthquake struck Colombia on 10 August, affecting hundreds of municipalities across multiple regions of the country. Official figures released by Colombian authorities indicate that:
- Hundreds of people lost their lives.
- More than 4,000 people were injured.
- Thousands of homes were destroyed.
- Tens of thousands of families have been displaced.
- Schools, health centres, roads and other essential infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
International aid has already begun arriving from numerous countries, alongside support from the European Union and humanitarian organisations, but recovery efforts are expected to continue for many months.
Transparency Before Fundraising
One of the key messages from the Lanzarote working group is that no public financial appeals will be launched until secure and fully verified channels have been established.
Instead, members are currently:
- Identifying the communities most in need.
- Working with reliable contacts in Colombia.
- Developing a code of ethics and transparency.
- Creating systems to monitor how any future aid is distributed.
This approach is designed to give donors confidence that every contribution will have a clear and accountable destination.
Strong Support from Across the Island
Representatives from Arrecife City Council have publicly backed the initiative, expressing solidarity with both the earthquake victims and the Colombian residents who call Lanzarote home.
The project has also attracted support from professionals, entrepreneurs and volunteers representing several different nationalities, highlighting the multicultural nature of Lanzarote’s community and its willingness to help during international emergencies.
More Than a One-Off Campaign
Although created in response to the earthquake, organisers hope the working group will continue beyond the current crisis. The long-term aim is to build a network capable of coordinating future humanitarian projects and community initiatives whenever they are needed.
By creating permanent channels for cooperation, Lanzarote hopes to strengthen international solidarity while ensuring future responses can be organised quickly and effectively.
A Reminder of Lanzarote’s Community Spirit
Whether through fundraising, volunteering or simply raising awareness, initiatives like this demonstrate how communities in Lanzarote continue to respond when disasters strike elsewhere in the world.
As the recovery effort in Colombia continues, residents and businesses across the island are preparing to play their part in helping those rebuilding their lives after one of the country’s most devastating recent natural disasters.
