In early 2022, Ecuador suffered extensive damage from landslides and flooding triggered by record-breaking heavy rainfall. In Cotopaxi Province, particularly in areas such as La Maná and Pujilí, bridges and roads collapsed, while homes and farmland were inundated, causing widespread damage. Many residents faced prolonged hardship as the disasters compounded existing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the International WeLoveU Foundation stepped forward to support flood-affected communities in Cotopaxi Province. WeLoveU partnered with the Embassy of Ecuador in the Republic of Korea, the National Assembly of Ecuador, and La Maná City Government to carry out emergency relief activities for residents who had been displaced or left without access to basic necessities.
Decision to Support Flood Victims Through Communication With Ecuador
On February 2, the WeLoveU Quito Chapter received an official cooperation letter from Ana Herrera Gómez, a member of the National Assembly of Ecuador, requesting humanitarian support for flood victims in Cotopaxi Province. In response, members of the Quito Chapter visited La Maná City Hall to assess the extent of the flood damage and identify communities in urgent need of assistance. After confirming the situation on the ground, they reported their findings to WeLoveU headquarters in Korea. Based on this assessment, WeLoveU decided to provide emergency support for the affected communities. In coordination with the Embassy of Ecuador in the Republic of Korea, the headquarters proceeded to organize the relief schedule and logistics.
On March 24, Adrián Cao Li, Ambassador of Ecuador to the Republic of Korea, and Johnny Reinoso-Vasquez, Deputy Chief of Mission, along with other embassy officials, visited the WeLoveU headquarters in Seongnam City. During the meeting, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed her heartfelt concern, saying, “It was heartbreaking to hear that you suffered flood damage amid the difficulties caused by COVID-19. WeLoveU members came together with one purpose to help Ecuador. We will proceed promptly.” She pledged to deliver USD 20,000 worth of relief supplies. Ambassador Cao Li expressed his appreciation for WeLoveU’s continued humanitarian support, noting, “Even during the difficult time of COVID-19, WeLoveU sent diagnostic kits and face masks. We are deeply grateful for this ongoing care.”
Food and Hygiene Supplies Delivered to 500 Flood-Affected Households
WeLoveU’s relief supplies included face masks and hygiene products for COVID-19 prevention, as well as food items such as rice, beans, canned goods, pasta, sugar, and cooking oil. These supplies were delivered to a total of 500 flood-affected households in the La Maná and Pujilí areas of Cotopaxi Province. On April 18, a delivery ceremony was held at Cubierta Plaza in La Maná, where WeLoveU members personally handed relief supplies to residents in the Pucayacu area and conveyed their wishes for a swift return to normal life. In the El Palmar area of Pujilí, relief supplies were distributed through the National Assembly of Ecuador, ensuring that aid reached families in need efficiently.
“It was a tremendous disaster,” said Mariella Tigasi, a resident of Pucayacu. “The river that runs through the neighborhood overflowed, and everyone had to leave their homes to find a place to stay. It was very frightening. I am simply grateful to WeLoveU for helping us during such a difficult time.”
Residents who attended the delivery ceremony expressed heartfelt gratitude for WeLoveU’s timely assistance. Sharing their experiences, they said, “The bridge connecting the neighborhood was destroyed, and there was no electricity, so we couldn’t even contact our family or friends.” They added together, “We believe that everyone who helped us will receive blessings.” Ana Herrera Gómez also expressed her appreciation through a social media post, stating, “I sincerely thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and WeLoveU for providing valuable assistance to flood victims in Pucayacu and El Palmar. A total of 500 households received urgently needed relief supplies.”
Continuing Relief and Welfare Activities With a Mother’s Loving Heart
In Ecuador, WeLoveU has carried out a wide range of humanitarian activities over the years, including support for COVID-19 prevention supplies in 2020 and emergency relief for earthquake victims in 2016. In recognition of WeLoveU’s commitment to responding first to neighbors’ pain and hardship, Ecuadorian government ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion, as well as organizations including the Ecuadorian Red Cross, have presented plaques and letters of appreciation.
Beyond emergency relief efforts both domestically and internationally, WeLoveU continues to engage in diverse welfare initiatives, including poverty and hunger alleviation, educational support, and water and sanitation assistance. In the previous year alone, WeLoveU provided COVID-19 prevention supplies to El Salvador, Ukraine, Malawi, and Uganda, carried out housing environment improvement projects for vulnerable groups, and supported schools in the United States and Mozambique affected by hurricanes and cyclones. Guided by a mother’s loving heart that regards all humanity as one family, WeLoveU will continue its relief and welfare activities around the world, standing with neighbors in need and delivering hope through love in action.