Whilst traveling around the US kitesurfing I talked to a friend who was in Canoa, Ecuador, during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. When he told me about the trauma of pulling bodies out of destroyed houses and entire communities that had been brought down to rubble, the final leg of my 6 month journey became clear; I decided to head to Ecuador to volunteer. 

I have now spent the past month with 60 All Hands Volunteers, everyone of which is dedicated to truly making a difference to those who need it the most. I have worked on a wide range of urgent projects, ranging from building 9 temporary homes to reconstructing schools, demolishing unsafe buildings and helping entire communities that have been reallocated due to the earthquake. It has been incredible seeing families finally move into homes from their tents that they have been forced to live in for months; I wish I could share the pure joy, gratefulness and relief that I have seen.

Step by step we have been able to give people who have lost everything hope again and towns are starting to regain their "joie de vivre"; however, unfortunately, there is still a huge amount of work to be done. Having been here my self, I have truly seen the impact of every donation, no mater how big or small, which all go towards materials and tools to help Ecuadorians regain their lives. 

If you have any questions about the work I have been doing, All Hands Volunteering organisation, or Ecuador since the earthquake, please feel free to contact me at: rose@closdecaveau.com.