BITC backs DEC appeal raising vital funds for Venezuela earthquake survivors 

Business in the Community is supporting the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) with its latest appeal to support those impacted by two catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela. The earthquakes have killed more than 1,900 people and have left thousands injured or missing and millions in need of shelter, food, water, and medical care.  

The DEC brings together 15 of the UK’s leading humanitarian charities, pooling expertise to coordinate an effective UK charity response to all aspects of the crisis. DEC charities and their local partners have been working in Venezuela for many years and began responding quickly after the earthquakes struck, rapidly conducting preliminary assessments to determine the scale of need.  

Anticipated priorities include: 
 
> Shelter: including the distribution of emergency shelter materials, such as blankets and tarpaulins, and the establishment and management of collective shelters.  
> Health and medical services: including the deployment of mobile health teams and the provision of essential medicines, food, and nutrition services.  
> Water, sanitation, and hygiene: including the provision of clean drinking water and hygiene supplies, including hygiene and dignity kits.  
> Multipurpose cash: including the distribution of cash or vouchers to help families afford the items they need most.  
> Protection: including mental health and psychosocial support to earthquake-affected communities. 

In response to the appeal, Sue Husband, Community Impact Director, at Business in the Community, said:  

The catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela have left millions of people in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. Every donation can make a tangible difference, from providing hygiene supplies that help prevent illness to emergency food support and shelter kits for families whose homes have been destroyed. As a DEC Rapid Response Partner, BITC is encouraging businesses and individuals to come together and give what they can, helping to ensure life-saving support reaches the communities who need it most.

To find out more, or to donate, please visit https://www.dec.org.uk/. 

ENDS

Notes to editor

For further information, please contact Polly Dacam, Senior Public Affairs and Media Officer, on 020 7566 6638.

About Business in the Community

Business in the Community (BITC) champions responsible business as essential for long term economic growth and resilience.   
 
It is the UK’s leading responsible business network, working with companies of all sizes to tackle society’s most pressing challenges from climate change and place-based community regeneration to inequality, workplace wellbeing, and inclusive growth.  
  
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1982, BITC has over four decades of experience in engaging business and delivering measurable impact in both business and in communities through evidence-based interventions. 

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