The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Ecuador more so than other South American country. The small nation of approximately 17 million residents has been most affected in the coastal city of Guayaquil. News coming out of Ecuador points to overstretched resources as resulting in a situation where the deceased are being left on the sidewalks outside of homes for days, and where a local packaging manufacture has moved production from boxes for exports like shrimp to bananas to producing cardboard coffins. The situation in Guayaquil is critical.
Cases of COVID-19 in Manabi province (a few hours up the coast from Guayaquil) are fewer, but the economic impact of the virus has been significant. Coastal Manabi is home to numerous small communities that rely on fishing and tourism and where most residents live day to day based on the income from these activities. Both have come to a halt.
REDI has responded in various ways. We are working closely with our local collaborators to provide food for families and individuals in need. While what we can provide is small, every bit helps. Most recently, we provided food to over 40 families. This will continue in the upcoming weeks and months as we identify individuals and families with the greatest need. We are also working to provide economic support for the household economy while simultaneously providing much needed masks to individuals. We are contracting local women to sew masks that will be donated to community residents. This provides a small amount of income to families while also getting masks out to those in need.
REDI needs your support at this time more than ever. You can donate via the link on our donations page. All donations are tax-deductible and 100 percent of funds will go to providing relief to rural residents in coastal Ecuador.
rediecuador 