In September 2017 the central and southern regions of Mexico were hit by earthquakes that left thousands injured and hundreds dead. Because of this, we started an online donation campaign in partnership with the Red Cross to help the survivors of this natural tragedy. The support of our community and members was crucial to helping thousands of people.

Last month, we received a letter of thanks in regards to this project from the Red Cross. Written directly by the director of the Mexican Red Cross, Fernando Suinaga Cárdenas.

Read a little more about how the Red Cross acted and how the Shells from our online donations helped the survivors of the earthquakes in Mexico.

The effects of earthquakes

Mexico was hit not only by one but two major earthquakes. The Chiapas earthquake that occurred on Sept. 7 had a magnitude of 8.2 and was the most intense in Mexico since 1932. In addition to 61 deaths, the Chiapas earthquake damaged more than 7,000 homes in the Oaxaca region and 10,000 people were evacuated.

A few days later, on September 19, Mexico suffered the consequences of another earthquake, the Puebla Earthquake. Although it happened with a lower intensity, having a magnitude of 7.1, this second earthquake happened closer to the central region of Mexico, in very populous cities, like the capital, Mexico City. That is why it left enormous havoc, 369 died and 250,000 were left homeless.

How our online donations helped survivors

It was with great joy and gratitude that we received a letter from Fernando Suinaga Cárdenas, director of the Red Cross in Mexico. In his own words:

“The earthquakes of September devastated our beloved Mexico, but thanks to people like you, we reaffirm the commitment of solidarity that characterizes us as Mexicans.”

In total, 8293 members from various countries collaborated in online donations with the Red Cross and together we managed to collect 24,879 Shells. We truly want to thank you so much for all the help!

The work of the Red Cross

Since becoming aware of the situation, the Mexican Red Cross has collected, along with other donations, more than 4,507 tons of humanitarian aid. Including food, water, first aid kits, and personal hygiene kits, to 1,126,750 people in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Mexico State and Mexico City.

Every action can make a difference! Your Shells helped the survivors of the earthquakes in Mexico and your online donations can also help thousands of people in need all around the world. Click here to see all our available donations.