Walking in Solidarity to Raise Money for Venezuelan Refugees

35km walk along the migrant route in solidarity and to raise money for Venezuelan caminantes in Colombia.

The Situation:

Every day, Venezuelan migrants and refugees cross the border into Colombia, leaving behind their homes and families, uncertain of when they’ll reunite. They walk hundreds of miles with minimal belongings and often inadequate footwear. Some continue their journey to destinations like Peru and Chile, in search of basic necessities and safety. With 7.7 million Venezuelans displaced, it is the second largest external displacement crisis after Syria. Yet, it remains one of the most underfunded crises in modern history.

Our Campaign:

We aim to raise vital funds for Venezuelan caminantes through a 35km walk along the migrant route. Starting from Pamplona, where OTGI is based, we'll walk to the next closest shelter, La Laguna, an 8-10 hour journey up the mountain. Infamously known by caminantes as 'el paramo' for its harsh cold weather.

How you can help:

Your donation to On the Ground International (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, sport and art activities.

Why are people leaving Venezuela?

Hyperinflation has made basic necessities unaffordable for many in Venezuela. The average monthly salary is scarcely enough to purchase a box of eggs and a bag of flour. Government-provided food boxes are often of poor quality, arrive late, or are ‘sold’ by local government officials in a bid to earn some extra cash. In Pamplona, we witness daily tales of hunger. Many leave their country, unable to bear the hunger and suffering they felt, watching their children, their parents and their country starve. It’s hard to imagine that Venezuela, once the wealthiest country on the continent, with more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia, now sees 94 percent of its population living in poverty, and 76 percent in extreme poverty. Yet corruption, economic mismanagement and external sanctions have led to critical shortages of basic items such as food and medicine.

Your support is crucial in providing aid and assistance to those who need it most.