Metallica donate $100,000 to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts

Metallica have made a $100,000 (€87,320) donation to relief efforts for Venezuela’s recent earthquake that struck June 24.

The contribution comes from their All Within My Hands Foundation, through its longtime partner Direct Relief. The organisation coordinates with local agencies to assist with medical aid and search-and-rescue operations.

 

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The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela and affected at least seven states. The United Nations reports that up to 6.8 million Venezuelans may be affected by the displacement or loss of water and electricity. The death toll has climbed to over 2,500 people.

All Within My Hands said Direct Relief is preparing hygiene items, first-aid supplies, medicine for acute injuries and medications for those with chronic conditions who cannot access their treatment.

Following their dates at Aviva Stadium last month, Metallica also made two contributions, each €40,000, to Irish charities. One was to the Dublin Simon Community, an organisation that provides life-saving support to people experiencing homelessness across Ireland. The other was to Women’s Aid, a crime victim service.

They also teamed up with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service on a blood drive, rewarding donors with special edition Metallica T-shirts.

In a social media post, the Dublin Simon Community thanked the foundation, writing “To everyone at All Within My Hands Foundation, thank you for recognising the importance of this work and for standing with us as we continue to support people experiencing homelessness across our city.”

All Within My Hands has donated over $25 million (€21.93 million) since its founding in 2017. This includes several grants aiding relief efforts after other natural disasters, such as wildfires in Los Angeles and Hawaii and hurricanes in the Gulf Coast.

Metallica’s contribution follows relief efforts from other musicians, such as Rush teaming up with Venezuelan director, David Calcano, to create a limited edition T-shirt. The proceeds from that fundraiser will be given to Hogar Bambi, a Venezuelan organisation helping children at risk after the earthquake.

Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean has also promoted donations to groups including World Central Kitchen and Hogar Bambi. Ricky Martin recently directed fans to a Venezuela relief contribution page as well.

On the social media post from All Within My Hands announcing their donation, one Venezuelan fan commented, “Your generosity has given us hope. Your gesture reminds us that we are not forgotten.”