Venezuelan in China raises over $15K in donations in just 2 days

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck her home country, Nanda Nieves, a Venezuelan expat in Shanghai, wanted to do something from half a world away.

On June 27, she created a donation poster in three languages and shared it on her WeChat, a popular Chinese social media platform. Within minutes, donations from strangers began pouring in.

"It's been non-stop, and from people of all nationalities," said Nieves. By June 29, just two days later, she had collected over 102,000 yuan (more than US$15,000) for organizations and individuals operating on the front lines in Venezuela.

One of the organizations Nieves donated to is the NGO Alimenta la Solidaridad, which is assisting with rescue and relief efforts in La Guaira, one of the worst-hit areas in the earthquakes. Nieves says that beyond words of thanks, recipients have also stressed that continued aid will be needed.

Six days after the earthquakes struck, survivors are still being found in unlikely circumstances. According to a local website, tens of thousands of people could still be missing.

"It has not been easy for any of us to be here, because I know many Venezuelans would rather be in Venezuela, lifting a stone to save a life," said Nieves.