Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez participated in a press conference hosted by Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) in Doral to support humanitarian relief efforts for families affected by the recent earthquake in Colombia. The gathering brought together community leaders, first responders, organizations, and members of South Florida’s Colombian community to raise awareness and mobilize assistance for those facing the devastating consequences of the disaster.
With one of the largest Colombian communities in the United States calling Miami-Dade home, the tragedy has been felt deeply across South Florida. The response demonstrated the important role local communities can play when families abroad are confronting an emergency, with residents and organizations coming together to collect essential supplies and provide financial support for relief efforts on the ground.
Fernandez recognized Global Empowerment Mission for its work coordinating the humanitarian response and helping ensure assistance reaches communities in need. He also thanked the organizations, volunteers, first responders, donors, and residents who have contributed to the collective effort, emphasizing that the response represents the generosity of an entire community coming together to help its neighbors during a difficult moment.
“When tragedy strikes, distance does not diminish our responsibility to help one another,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Miami-Dade has deep ties to Colombia, and so many families in our community have loved ones who have been affected by this earthquake. I am proud to stand alongside our Colombian community and support the organizations and volunteers working tirelessly to provide food, supplies, and assistance to those who need it most.”
The Office of the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector encourages residents who wish to assist to support established humanitarian organizations coordinating relief efforts. Fernandez reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Colombia and expressed his hope for the recovery of the affected communities and for all those working to rebuild in the aftermath of the earthquake.
