Walking in Solidarity to Raise Money for Venezuelan Refugees

What’s happening in Venezuela?

Since 2010, Venezuela has experienced an extreme socio-political situation, leading to unprecedented economic hardship and mass migration. The price of basic goods has skyrocketed-30 30 eggs that once cost $1, are now priced at $6, while the average monthly salary is $5. This hyperinflation, a key result of the authoritarian regime, has forced over 7.7 million Venezuelans to flee the country in search of basic necessities. The recent elections in July, contested by the international community, have intensified the economic turmoil.

Every day, groups of Venezuelans, or caminantes, walk hundreds of miles across Colombia, wearing inadequate footwear and carrying only small backpacks in search of brighter opportunities. Due to limited resources, many walk for days to reach a place that might welcome them. Ongoing international conflicts divert much-needed funding from this humanitarian crisis, leaving many to fend for themselves, making it one of the most underfunded crises in modern history.

Who We Are:

On the Ground International (OTGI) is a grassroots humanitarian aid organization founded in 2019 in Pamplona, Colombia. Located 75km from the Cucuta bridge, Pamplona serves as a vital stop along the migration route. In Pamplona, our international team, primarily composed of volunteers, collaborates with local shelters to provide assistance to caminantes both those passing through and those choosing to stay.

Campaign:

On October 10, 2024, OTGI will participate in a 200km walk from Cucuta to Bucaramanga along the migration route in support of the thousands of caminantes who endure the journey daily. The hike begins at the Venezuela-Colombia border in Cucuta, a hot and humid city, and ascends to Pamplona, before continuing up to La Laguna and  ‘el paramo’ - infamous among caminantes for its harsh cold weather that many migrants are inadequately equipped to endure. We will then descend to Bucaramanga, where we finish our journey. 

How You Can Help:

Your donation to OTGI directly supports Venezuelan refugees through:

• Mobile aid projects: Providing crucial assistance such as food, clothing, shoes and basic necessities to refugees on their journey.

• Shelter projects: Offering food, shelter, medical care and activities for children at shelters along the route, these are at the heart of what OTGI provides.

• Community projects: Supporting vulnerable children from Colombian and Venezuelan families in Pamplona with English courses as well as sports and arts and crafts activities.

Every contribution counts! Feel free to share this information- together, we are stronger!