Jersey donations reach Venezuelan earthquake survivors as Islanders coordinate aid efforts - Jersey Evening Post
by Elen Johnston · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Jersey donations reach Venezuelan earthquake survivors as Islanders coordinate aid efforts
by Elen Johnston 6 July 20263 July 2026
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MONEY donated by people in Jersey is already being used to deliver food and essential supplies to survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, as Islanders with ties to the country co-ordinate relief efforts despite personal tragedy.
Among those helping is Antonio Sousa, whose daughter Fatima Sousa moved to Jersey in 2017.
While mourning the death of his elderly cousin, who was killed when her building collapsed in the earthquakes, the 63-year-old has been using funds raised by his daughter in Jersey to buy and distribute aid to families in need in Caracas.
The dual earthquakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck on Wednesday 24 June as many Venezuelans were celebrating a national holiday. More than 2,500 people are reported to have died.
Miss Sousa said she decided to raise money in Jersey that could be sent directly to her father in Venezuela, allowing help to reach those affected as quickly as possible.
In a recent social media post, she wrote: “Four days ago, my country suffered one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history. These have been difficult days filled with sorrow, concern and uncertainty.
“From Jersey, I decided to raise funds and send them to my father and my parents-in-law so they could help those in need directly.
“My heartfelt thanks to my family, friends and work colleagues who donated and made this possible. Your generosity is a reminder that, even in the hardest times, kindness knows no borders.”
Miss Sousa told the JEP that her father recently visited Jersey on holiday.
“Two weeks later, the earthquake struck,” she said. “My brother’s business suffered some material damage, and sadly, one of my father’s cousins passed away. Her building collapsed, and she was 85 years old.”
Miss Sousa has joined forces with fellow Venezuelan islander Mariano Antonio Ferreira Correia, who recently launched his own appeal after losing his 36-year-old brother Javier – a former Jersey café worker – along with other relatives in the disaster.
“Anyone wishing to help can also send their support through him, as together we are distributing aid to those in need,” said Miss Sousa.
Mr Correia praised her father as a “warrior for Venezuela” in one of his recent updates.
“I want to thank Fatima Sousa’s father because, despite everything he is going through in Venezuela, he has the strength to help those in need,” he said.
“Fatima’s coworkers have collected and sent him money, and he has managed to buy supplies and food to distribute to the most needy.
“He is undoubtedly a warrior for Venezuela and will serve as a bridge to help us provide more donations on behalf of the entire Jersey community.”
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