As the full scale of the devastation caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela becomes clearer, humanitarian needs continue to grow and Canadians are stepping up to support those in need.
Today, the Government of Canada announced it will match donations made to the Humanitarian Coalition (HC) in support of urgent relief efforts up to $2 million. Through our membership in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank — part of the HC — donations made to Alongside Hope from June 25 to July 14 will be matched.
On June 24, 2026, powerful back-to-back earthquakes shook Venezuela, with magnitudes beyond what has been seen in more than a century. The devastation has been extensive, with at least 1,700 people killed and thousands injured. More than 50,000 people are missing, with many trapped under heavy concrete and collapsed buildings.
Alongside Hope is responding to this emergency. One way is through the Humanitarian Coalition appeal running until July 14, 2026. (The Humanitarian Coalition comprises 12 leading Canadian aid agencies including the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.) Alongside Hope is also in regular contact with the ACT Alliance, the Anglican Alliance and other partners who are assessing the situation and designing their response plans.
Alongside Hope is connected to partner and networks assessing the needs, says Jackie Koster, Alongside Hope’s Director of Programs and Partnerships. ‘Venezuela is part of Province IX of the Episcopal Church in the United States, and our sister organization, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) will be responding. The Anglican Alliance will be convening a coordination call and the ACT Alliance has two members with active programming in the country. This is a key strength of our trusted global networks — being able to respond and support.”
The two earthquakes happened less than a minute apart, affecting populous major cities of Caracas, Valencia and La Guaira. The number of casualties is expected to rise in these dense, urban centres. Hospitals and the main airport also sustained damage. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with international teams arriving to help.
The response will focus on providing immediate relief by supporting families with food, shelter, household items and other basic needs. Venezuela was already facing economic hardship and struggling with the rising price of food. Nearly 8 million people were in need of humanitarian support. With this tragedy, millions more will be at greater risk of hunger.
How you can help
PRAY. Please pray for the people of Venezuela and all those affected by this devastating event.
ACT. Share this message.
GIVE. Donate to our Humanitarian Coalition appeal. You can give online, on the phone by calling 1-866-308-7973 or by mail. Please send your cheque to Alongside Hope, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2, indicating “Venezuela” in the notes.
