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| Photo by Santiago La Rotta. Licensed via Creative Commons. |
Over the past couple of months, the South American nation of Colombia has been hit by severe flooding. It has described by some as the worst natural disaster ever to hit the country.
The Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce circulated the announcement below of a Saturday fundraiser in Nashville in support of the victims, with Colombian soup, bread and coffee to be served:
JOIN THE COLOMBIAN SOLIDARITY GROUP AT AN EVENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA DUE TO THE DEADLY FLOODS DURING THIS WINTER
Saturday, January 15, 2011
5 to 9 p.m.
Fleming Center
Cathedral of the Incarnation
2015 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
Donation: $10 dollars per plate
The impact of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina is still present in the memory of the residents of the United States. More recently, the flooding in Nashville in May of 2010 teaches us the vulnerability of populations to these natural phenomena, and the negative impact on the lives, regions, cities and towns of those affected.
Comparatively, the winter catastrophe that has hit Colombia is equal to or greater in magnitude than the two mentioned above. According to data released by authorities the death toll in Colombia is expected to rise to over 300 for the month of January 2011, 2.1 million people are affected, flooded arable land accounts for 5 million acres, and 40 main roads and 214 minor pathways are interrupted or destroyed, including some bridges.
Of the 32 States, 28 are affected and 70% of those affected are located on the Atlantic coast. Many populations have disappeared because of the waters and landslides in hillside areas. Crops, livestock, domestic animals and pets have died.
Unfortunately, the rainy season has not stopped and according to experts, it is likely to continue raining until March 2011. The most worrying fact is that the effects of this catastrophe are estimated to be long-term.
Unlike the United States, government resources in Colombia are scarce. Approximately 2.5 billion dollars are needed, and the government only has 1/2 billion. For this reason, we are seeking solidarity of the international community. We ask friendly countries, private companies, and all Colombians for their generosity to reduce the suffering of these victims.
The Colombian community in Nashville, TN, is no stranger to this misadventure and is organizing a charity event to raise funds to serve this cause of solidarity.
There will be a "dinner" of symbolic character: It is a soup and bread called consommé. Also, Colombian coffee will be served.
We invite all Colombians in the area, the Hispanic community, our brothers of Latin America, the American community and all generous people to come and support us in this humanitarian cause.
You can start to show solidarity by helping to spread this invitation. You can also join us as a volunteer during the event or help in the preparations. We need volunteer groups.
Event Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Place: Cathedral of the Incarnation
Fleming Center
Address: 2015 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
Donation: $10 dollars per plate
Comité Colombia Solidaria-Nashville,TN
Note 1: FREE parking in the back of the building
Note 2: If you can't come please send your donation to:
Comité Colombia Solidaria
Email: redsctn@comcast.net
(615) 485-4294
Camilo Rodríguez
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