In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, Ocean Bank has joined forces with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce to launch a large-scale humanitarian relief effort supporting affected communities.

As the exclusive financial institution serving as the official donation collection partner for the initiative, Ocean Bank will accept relief supplies at each of its 25 branch locations throughout South Florida while also sponsoring the first emergency cargo flight carrying life-saving aid to Venezuela.

The inaugural humanitarian airlift, funded through an $80,000 donation from Ocean Bank, departed from Miami International Airport on Sunday, June 28, carrying urgently needed relief supplies assembled by Global Empowerment Mission and its network of partners.
“We are touched by this tragedy and are committed to providing aid to the people of Venezuela,” said Agostinho Alfonso Macedo, chair of the board, president and CEO of Ocean Bank.

Global Empowerment Mission, an internationally recognized disaster relief organization headquartered in Doral, has mobilized emergency response teams and logistics operations immediately following the earthquake. Working alongside long-standing local partners in Venezuela, GEM has been coordinating the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, hygiene products, medical supplies, and other emergency essentials.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ocean Bank for their extraordinary generosity and leadership,” said Michael Capponi, founder and president of Global Empowerment Mission. “Their $80,000 contribution is making it possible for our first cargo aircraft to depart immediately with desperately needed aid. Partnerships like this allow us to respond quickly when every hour matters.”

All 25 Ocean Bank branches, including 21 in Miami-Dade County, are serving as official donation collection sites during regular banking hours. The donation drive will continue through July 31.

In addition to collecting relief supplies, Ocean Bank is encouraging employees throughout the organization to volunteer at GEM’s headquarters in Doral, where thousands of donated items are being sorted, packed, and prepared for international shipment.

The Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce is coordinating monetary donations to further support emergency relief efforts. Contributions can be made online at:
https://donate.stripe.com/eVq14m62u9BRdpm4Xw2sM02.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.