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Beyoncé has announced that she will make a personal donation of $1 million to support relief efforts in Colombia following the country’s recent earthquake.
According to a release from Parkwood Entertainment on Tuesday,
the donation will provide food and housing supplies to areas most affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Chocó, Colombia, on August 10. The release encourages those who can help to visit websites for Food For the Poor and World Central Kitchen.
At least 312 people were killed in the earthquake earlier this month, according to AP, and 29,000 homes were destroyed. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 69,000 people in Chocó — or about 10 percent of its population — were affected or displaced by the earthquake.
Beyoncé joins a growing list of musicians who are raising and donating money for earthquake relief in recent weeks. Shakira, a Colombian native, met with Chocó’s governor and mayor to hear about the impact of the earthquake and committed $1.25 million to help rebuild affected schools. That sum included $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a $500,000 match from the Fund from Live Nation, and $250,000 from CAF.
“These past few days, I’ve watched my country suffer, but I’ve also watched people come together with the resilience and solidarity that has always defined us,” said Shakira in a statement. “Schools are more than buildings. They give children the stability and routine they need most after a disaster. That’s why we’re making an initial $1.25 million commitment to help rebuild schools and get children back into their classrooms. Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. And we will keep going.”
Additionally, Karol G donated $1.2 million to earthquake victims through her foundation, while the Colombian band Morat announced that they will donate a portion of ticket sales from an upcoming Bogotá residency.
