In the wake of the recent catastrophic earthquakes in Colombia, Rey Sol Coffee Roasters, a café located in Morristown, New Jersey, is rallying support for the residents of Balboa, the hometown of co-owner Johanna Porras-Ramirez. The cacophony of destruction left in the earthquakes’ wake has been met with a heartfelt response from the café, as the community comes together to provide much-needed relief.
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The earthquakes, which struck on August 10, resulted in substantial devastation, leaving over 600 homes damaged and more than 2,000 individuals reported missing in Balboa and the surrounding areas. Porras-Ramirez, along with her husband Arley Ramirez and their daughters, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to aid the victims. Their ties to Balboa run deep, with six generations of their family having roots in Colombia’s coffee-producing region. In the GoFundMe description, they express their commitment to supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
“Our families in Risaralda and Balboa are the reason we carry our story so strongly,” the Porras-Ramirez family stated, reflecting the deep ties they maintain with their homeland. The recent earthquake has been described as the most powerful in Colombia in a decade, leading to severe structural damages that have left families vulnerable and exposed.
In the wake of the disaster, reports indicate that many families are now sleeping outdoors, unwilling to return to their unstable homes. The urgency of the situation is clear, with the family observing that “the need is urgent, and every day matters.” They have partnered with the local fire department, who are surveying the damage and helping to catalogue which homes have been severely affected.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to provide immediate relief by supplying tarps and tents. Over 600 homes have been identified as partially damaged, necessitating coverings to protect families from the elements while they seek repairs. Meanwhile, those who have lost their homes entirely are in urgent need of temporary accommodation. Alongside the online fundraising efforts, the coffee shop is also accepting in-person donations at its Morristown and Ridgewood locations.
Porras-Ramirez expressed the overwhelming support the café has received thus far, stating, “It’s so crowded that we have no room to walk.” She highlighted the need for financial contributions to secure a 40-foot shipping container to transport donated goods to Colombia, underscoring the logistical challenges involved in the relief effort.
In addition to tarps and tents, the café is grateful for all forms of support, accepting non-perishable food items, hygiene products, blankets, flashlights, first-aid kits, and clothing in both their Morristown and Ridgewood shops. With such a diverse range of donations already pouring in, the café team is working diligently to organise and send these supplies to those in need.
The impact of the earthquake extends beyond Colombia, affecting neighbouring countries such as Ecuador and Panama. The 7.2 magnitude quake, reported to be the strongest of the 21st century in Colombia, has resulted in significant casualties. As of August 13, the death toll has risen to 281, with many others injured, according to various news outlets.
In response to the disaster, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national emergency and travelled to Bogotá to coordinate relief efforts. He has stated his commitment to leading the response and has assembled a United Command Post to assist the communities affected by the earthquakes in regions including Chocó and Eje Cafetero.
As efforts continue to support Balboa, Rey Sol Coffee Roasters’ initiatives highlight the power of community, demonstrating how a small business can have a significant impact in the face of adversity. With the dedication of Porras-Ramirez and her family, along with the support of their local patrons, they are striving to make a tangible difference for those suffering in Colombia.
Through their fundraising and collection of essential items, the café is bridging the gap between their two homes, responding to the urgent needs of Balboa as the community faces a daunting recovery process. In their words, “Coffee has always been a bridge between our two homes,” and now, more than ever, that bridge is crucial in providing hope and aid to those in despair.