Members of the Ecuadorian community will join BP Diaz & AM Crespo to help guide concerned constituents who want to help the victims of Saturday’s earthquake in Ecuador
In the wake of the powerful earthquake that recently devastated Ecuador, and the death toll rising to about 600 victims; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; New York State Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca and members of the Ecuadorian community hosted a “Day of Solidarity” press conference and rally to highlight ways the community can help provide aid to Ecuador.
Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. was also joined by US Congressman Jose E. Serrano; City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson; State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.; Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto; Assemblyman Jose Rivera; Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj; Assemblyman Victor Pichardo; Assemblyman Francisco Moya; Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer; District Leader Yudelka Tapia; District Leader Cynthia Cox; and District Leader Israel Martinez.
The earthquake that shook Ecuador, the worst in nearly seven decades, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, left more than 600 dead, injured 12,492 people, left 130 still remain missing and 25,000 people without shelter, according to the Ecuador’s Risk Management Office.
Ecuador has deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the affected areas, with hundreds of rescuers from eight countries having traveled to help with relief efforts. Troops have set up mobile hospitals and temporary shelters but more is needed to help the country rebound from the natural disaster.
The Ecuadoran consulate, which has been directing relief efforts in New York City, and has made a lists of things that are much needed, such as canned foods, baby food, diapers, water, sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade, large tents, folding beds, batteries, LED lights, flashlights, sleeping bags (sleeping bag), as well as first aid material such as over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol and ibuprofen (please no liquid medications), Band-Aids, and gauzes.
“This powerful earthquake has destroyed many lives, and we must all come together to help those who need most in these most dire of circumstances,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Ecuadorians are the fourth largest Hispanic group in this city, and many members of this community make their residence in The Bronx. We must come together to help our brothers and sisters in their greatest time of need.”
“The borough of The Bronx would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that impacted the Republic of Ecuador last Saturday,” said Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo. “The deaths and lives impacted are tragedies with tremendous significance for each and every elected official in The Bronx, most importantly to the Ecuadorian communities we are blessed to represent. I proudly stand in solidarity with Ecuador.”
“On behalf of the Ecuadorian people affected by the earthquake that left hundreds of deaths and thousands of injured and homeless, I want to thank all the expressions of solidarity we have received from our Latin American brothers and sisters, and everybody else who is lending a hand during these painful time,” said General Consul of Ecuador Linda Machuca. “I also want to invite you to continue your financial supporting and donating articles needed at this time. For more information, please visit our emergency website at: www.contigoecuador.ec.”
“I’m heartbroken by the suffering and loss of life resulting from last weekend’s earthquake. As the people of Ecuador face the long road of rebuilding and recovery, they should know that the United States is standing with them,” said Congressman Eliot Engel, Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “As the former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I have visited Ecuador. It is a beautiful country with a brave, resilient people. I support the Obama Administration’s offer to ease the way for Ecuador in the wake of this tragedy.”
“Our hearts go out to Ecuador and to the hundreds of families who lost loved ones in this horrific tragedy, especially the Ecuadorians who call the Bronx home,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca. “Our community stands ready and able to provide aid to those in need and I will be working alongside the Borough President and colleagues to ensure we are doing everything we can.”
“I want to thank Chairman Marcos Crespo and Borough President Ruben Diaz for their collective partnership in organizing a Bronx relief effort for the people of Ecuador,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “This devastating earthquake has taken the lives of hundreds of people and disrupted thousands of families and communities. It’s important for Bronxites to join in the efforts to help families during this time with basic needs and I’m proud to join my Colleagues in bringing supplies to our brothers and sisters in Ecuador. During times of great challenge, we must recognize the importance to help others in need and our Bronx relief effort aims to reach as many families as possible. My continued thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Ecuador during this time.”
“There are no words to describe the pain and devastation in Ecuador. My heart goes out to the families impacted by this tragedy, and I encourage everyone to do their part and contribute whatever way they can to support relief efforts. I’ll be joining the Bronx Borough President and Assembly Member Crespo to raise awareness and help relief efforts for Ecuador. New York City stands with the country,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres of the Bronx.
“I join my colleagues in New York calling for the international community to stand up and support Ecuador in these critical days following the recent earthquake that resulted in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera. “I applaud Secretary Kerry for pledging support, and I urge the federal government to immediately provide sufficient funds to ensure that all those impacted by this tragedy receive the services they need. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ecuadorian people as they begin to recover and rebuild.”
“The situation in Ecuador is a tragedy of unspeakable dimensions. Hundreds of people unfortunately lost their lives, thousands were injured and many now find themselves homeless. We have a duty to help our friends in Ecuador recover from this disaster,” said Council Member James Vacca.
“My colleagues and I stand together with Ecuador today,” said Assembly Member Victor M. Pichardo. “It’s important that we do everything we can to support the people of Ecuador in the wake of this terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been impacted by this catastrophe, and I encourage everyone to help with the ongoing relief effort.”
“When I heard of the devastating earthquake that struck Ecuador, my heart sank. Like many Ecuadorians living in New York my first thought was to reach my family and friends still living in Ecuador to know they were safe,’ stated Assembly Member Francisco Moya. “Since then I have been working closely with members of the community and representatives from the government of Ecuador to connect families and organize relief efforts. This disaster will continue to unfold in the days to come and the recovery efforts will likely take months. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with those affected. Ecuador may be a small country, but its people have big hearts.”
“My heart goes out to all the families affected by the earthquake that occurred in Ecuador last week,” said Assembly Member Jose Rivera. “My thoughts are also with the Ecuadorian-American community in my district who also share the burden of this tragedy. It will take time for this community to recover from this catastrophe, but they won’t do it alone. Our support and prayers are with them all.”
“I stand with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Democratic Chair Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, my colleagues in government and all Bronxites in solidarity with the people of Ecuador who have been struck by this devastating catastrophe,” said Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz. “Hundreds of people died as a result of the earthquake and thousands were injured. We must support every possible effort to help the survivors deal with this horrifying tragedy and to rebuild.”
“As a Latino, as a New Yorker, like millions of other New Yorkers, I am shocked and deeply saddened by the almost immeasurable loss of life and destruction in Ecuador. I hope that New Yorkers will reach out generously to help those affected. We must also reach out to relatives here in New York who are enduring terrible anguish or loss in the wake of this tragedy. At this time, we are all Ecuadoran,” said Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda.
“In a blink of an eye, life and history can be changed forever. Realizing those precious moments, our thoughts, prayers and commitment to helping rebuild their beloved country go out to the people of Ecuador,” said Assembly Member Michael Blake. “My family is primarily from Jamaica and so we have seen how natural disasters can destroy livelihoods. We stand ready to support the families of Ecuador and hope to send angels of comfort their way.”
You can drop off supplies at the following places:
You can also drop off supplies at the Ecuadorian consulate offices throughout New York City.
You can also donate money, via the following organizations: