Nationwide — Beyoncé will donate $1 million to help communities in Colombia recover from a powerful earthquake that damaged homes, roads, and infrastructure. The funds will support immediate food and housing needs in areas hit hardest by the disaster. Her company, Parkwood Entertainment, announced the donation Tuesday, Aug. 25. The funds will go to organizations providing direct assistance to people affected by the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck near San José del Palmar in Chocó on Aug. 10.
The earthquake caused widespread damage across the region and disrupted food supplies in several communities. Many residents also faced damage to their homes and local infrastructure. Parkwood encouraged people who want to help to support Food For The Poor and World Central Kitchen, which are working on relief efforts in affected areas.
The donation comes as other major artists and organizations step in to support Colombia’s recovery, according to Billboard. During the Colombia: Voces por la Vida benefit concert in Bogotá on Aug. 23, Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation announced a $1.2 million contribution. The concert brought together Maluma, Eladio Carrión, Grupo Niche and more than 30 other performers and raised over 11 billion Colombian pesos, or about $3.6 million, for families affected by the earthquake.
Shakira has also joined the recovery effort. Her Pies Descalzos Foundation, along with Global Citizen, Live Nation and CAF, has committed an initial $1.25 million to help rebuild schools damaged in Chocó. The foundation will lead the school reconstruction project as communities begin the longer process of rebuilding.
Other Latin artists, athletes and organizations are also supporting the region through Marea Viva por el Chocó del Mañana. The initiative includes Progresa Chocó, Fundación Mi Sangre, Fundación Bancolombia and Grupo Argos, along with figures such as Juanes, James Rodríguez, Mariana Pajón, Rigoberto Urán, David Ospina, Néstor Lorenzo, Manuel Medrano, Goyo, Jhon Arias, Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, Nicky Jam and Altafulla. Together, the efforts are bringing financial support and attention to communities still dealing with the earthquake’s damage.