Once again, the spirit of solidarity among Barça supporters’ clubs emerges stronger than ever when the situation calls for it. Following the powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela last week, affecting tens of thousands of people, several organizations have taken action to organize and/or promote solidarity campaigns aimed at collecting and sending aid to the South American country.
PB Casal Català de Caracas, a key player
One of the penyes that reacted most quickly is the one that has experienced the consequences of the earthquakes most directly: Penya FCB Casal Català de Caracas. The organization has launched an initiative to prepare food packages and deliver them to the people taking part in relief efforts in the area most affected by the disaster. The penya is collecting food to make sandwiches, as well as canned goods and bottles of water. In addition, PB Casal Català de Caracas is also acting as a loudspeaker for all the aid channels that are opening up in the country at such a difficult time.
Donation collection by PB Familia Blaugrana Panamá
Another penya that never fails on these occasions is Peña Familia Blaugrana de Panamá, which has coordinated with the Panama Red Cross to organize a donation drive in its city. The penya has set up two collection points where people can donate dry or non-perishable food, bottled water, first-aid items, and personal and sanitary hygiene products. In addition, PB Familia Blaugrana de Panamá is also accepting financial donations through several methods, making it easier for everyone to take part. All aid will be delivered to those affected by the earthquakes.
Fundraising and solidarity raffle by Baltimore Blaugrana
As for Penya Baltimore Blaugrana, it quickly launched an online fundraiser whose proceeds will go to three NGOs working in Venezuela: Core, Wayuu Raya and Acceso. The North American penya has also organized a solidarity raffle featuring Barça-related products as well as items related to the football World Cup. The draw will take place during the final of the World Cup, on July 19. Until then, all proceeds from purchased raffle tickets will also go to the organization Core.
Other organizations have also joined in, such as PB Santiago de Xile, which has shared the aid campaign launched by Cáritas Chile in its country. Further expressions of solidarity are expected to grow over the coming days.
