11/09/2023
From our director Melissa: I arrived in Marrakech on Friday, hours before the 6.8 earthquake hit. Read my longer blog post (below) for what I'm seeing on the ground in the impacted area. Or if you want to get straight to the point to know how you can help, keep reading. Please engage with this post, donate if you can and spread the word because there's a huge need.
Moroccans have mobilized to bring food, water, clothing and other supplies to help support the relief efforts. Due to the scale of this disaster, help beyond Morocco's borders is needed. Morocco needs attention and money now for these initial rescue efforts and continued attention and money for the rebuilding phase. Additionally, please spread the word that Morocco is open to visitors. The northern cities are unharmed and most of Marrakech is open and functioning as usual.
Currently, there's a need for tents, blankets, sleeping bags, tarps and other supplies to help protect people against the elements. We are working on finding a corporate contact to help fly or ship these items into Morocco. Schools interested in supporting this effort could raise money for the above items or collect them to be shipped to Morocco.
For those who want to donate directly, I suggest the Amal Women's Training Center and Moroccan Restaurant. The founder is a good friend and I trust this organization to get resources to those in need. You can donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NRKYCU8N75LL8&fbclid=PAAab3Hb89flBCnMvOtx_btlcW1u0LtCa4vqW36u6cX4t6rSRqFzAoZj_2MVo
Finally, please keep attention on Morocco in order to help bring awareness to the needs of the areas impacted. Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, and attention.
On Friday night a 6.8 earthquake struck 45 miles south of Marrakech. About 2500 people are reported to be dead as of Monday evening. While much of the new city of Marrakech is undamaged, there were casualties and destruction in Marrakech's historic old city. The coming paragraphs detail the conditio...