$6000 raised for civilians impacted by Colombia’s earthquake

Georgia Whiteley|Oct 6, 2026|
A collapsed building at the Primero de Febrero neighborhood after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026 in Pereira, Colombia. de. Photo: Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images

THOUSANDS of buildings were destroyed by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake which struck some of Colombia’s most disadvantaged areas on August 10.

When Mila Sims heard her friend from Cali describe the “disaster and suffering” caused by the earthquake, she recalled feeling “deeply saddened”.

“Hearing her personal experience made the tragedy feel very real and inspired me to do something to help the affected families,” she said.

“I wanted to support my Colombian friends, show solidarity with the people of Colombia and help those affected by the earthquake.”

In response to the devastation, the Latin Catholic Community of the Sunshine Coast worked together to put on two Latin food events for the Maroochydore Parish last month and raised a total of $6015 for the Association of Food Banks of Colombia (ABACO).

Empanadas and ají de gallina at the Sunday Food Fair after the 9:00am Maroochydore Mass. Photo: Georgia Whiteley

One of the coordinators of the event, Patricia Zuluaga said the money raised would be used to support one the country’s poorest regions: Choco.

“Every cent counts there,” she said.

We “hope the money will provide some relief to the people affected by the earthquake and help meet their most urgent needs,” Ms Sims added.

We “also want to help the people know that they are not alone and people care about what they are going through, that there is still hope during such a difficult time.”

The people who attended the Food Fair were able to taste a variety of the traditional Latin American foods for sale, including: Colombian sausage sizzle, empanadas, chicken skewers, ají de gallina and various desserts.

There were also three raffle prizes to be won, provided by the event’s sponsors, including: a Noosa Chocolate Factory Gift Box, a $200 Glorious Spa gift card and a $150 Olas Beach House gift certificate.

Fundraiser coordinator Patricia Zuluaga hands the Noosa Chocolate Factory gift box to raffle prize winner. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Sims said a highlight for her was seeing “everyone come together with such generosity and enthusiasm”.

“I am very happy with what we achieved through the two events, we not only raised funds to support the people affected but we also showed how much can be accomplished when people come together for a good cause,” she said.

“What touched me most was that many members of our group were facing difficulties in their own lives, yet they did not allow those challenges to stop them from helping this cause.

“Their generosity, commitment and compassion made this fundraiser possible.

“We are deeply grateful to every person who helped and supported us.”

Thank you to Fresh Meats who helped sponsor this fundraising event.