Earthquake in Morocco: Henna Cafe Soup kitchen

Earthquake Destruction

On 8th September at 11:11 pm, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco in the Atlas Mountains close to the ancient city of Marrakech, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Homes have crumbled, lives have been shattered, and countless families are now facing an uncertain future. 

The destruction in the mountain villages has been especially devastating. With over 2000 people killed, more than 2500 injured and many still missing under rubble, the scale of this tragedy is overwhelming. Inas our manager at the Henna Cafe has been in contact with many of our teachers and friends in the Atlas as she only recently led a Summer English school there in Imlil. Listening to their courageous messages has been heartbreaking-they are asking for our help-for food, water, medical supplies and blankets in particular. The need seems overwhelming but together, as the Henna Cafe’s motto says, we really can make a difference-hopefully a profound difference in the lives of those left behind.

Homes in Marrakech collapsed into the street.

A new request for help

You have helped the Henna Cafe in the past to provide free education and support to the local community and during covid with our soup kitchen. Now we are asking you to dig even deeper into your pockets to help us find a way through the tragic effects of this natural disaster to help Moroccans both in Marrakech but also to help with the utter devastation in the Atlas mountains.

Our mission is clear: we are dedicated to helping Moroccans affected by this earthquake rebuild their lives, regain their hope, and heal their wounds.

Your generosity will provide the people of Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains with essential support, including:

Food: Nutritious meals as some have not eaten for several days.

Water Purification: Equipment to make contaminated water safe to drink.

Tents and Tarpaulins: Shelter to protect them from the cold and rain.

Winter Clothes: Warm clothing to help them survive the cold months.

Toiletries: Basics for personal hygiene and dignity.

Blankets: A source of comfort and warmth on cold nights.

Hot water bottles: For the freezing temperatures at night.

Solar Power Batteries: To restore power for lighting and charging devices.

Generators & stoves: To provide essential power for communications and heating.

Medical supplies: To heal wounds and prevent infection and provide essential medications.

These basics can make an immediate difference in the lives of homeless and hungry families. Our goal is not just to provide relief; we're also offering hope, comfort, and a chance to rebuild.

Urgent help needed now

As winter approaches. Without proper shelter, families in the freezing mountains will experience further hardship and more deaths. We need to act fast and decisively with our support right now and also to plan wisely in order to minimize suffering over the next months and years. 

Marrakech residents storing blankets in a tree ready for night time.

How to donate

Please click on the go fund me link to make a donation, and importantly please share this message with your friends and family. Your donation, no matter the amount, will directly impact these families' lives. 

For transparency this go fund me money will be transferred into Mike Wood’s account in the UK, then transferred to Morocco as the Henna Cafe has no bank account and purchases of food are all in cash. 

A message of hope

Thank you for considering our cause and for joining us in this mission to provide the essentials these desperate families urgently need. Together, we can ease their suffering and bring hope into their lives.

Your generosity can make a world of difference. 

As our motto says, we are: "Making a difference together."

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lucie, Mike & The Henna Cafe Team: Aymad, Bouchra, Hyatt, Fadma, Rachida & Zouhair.