How can we help with natural disasters - floods, fires, earthquakes?

Natural disasters, or more generally, violent weather events, can lead to entire communities having to be displaced, in need of assistance and even, in the worst case scenario, destroyed. All of us have heard of the devastating effects of floods, fires and earthquakes. We at PavelAndreev.ORG are well aware that victims need all kinds of help. Of course, moral support is very important, but in such cases it is not enough. People also need financial or material assistance, so if you or a loved one encounter a natural disaster that damages you - don't worry about how you will recover, but organize a charity campaign on our website for donations.

Once the disaster has passed, but the damage has already been done, the need for help is greatest. In such a situation, any donations can prove valuable - from food and water, to medical and psychological care... Financial support is also important - with a fundraising campaign, we can help victims recover much faster and return to their normal way of life after the natural disaster.

If you would like to help those affected by a natural disaster, here are some things you could do:

Send funds or necessities

The most effective way to help victims of a natural disaster or emergency is usually to donate funds or organize a fundraising campaign yourself. With proper and similar planning, recovery happens significantly faster. If you donate goods, first make sure that they are actually needed or listed as part of a list of items that will be used. Surplus items will not only be of no use, but will also make the situation more difficult - after all, they have to be stored or disposed of somewhere, and after a natural disaster not only may suitable locations be lacking, but unnecessary time will be wasted in handling them, and in such situations every second is precious and should not be wasted!

Volunteer help

If you see the devastation and aftermath of a flood, fire or earthquake with your own eyes, you may feel the need to lend a hand to get out of the crisis situation faster. There are many ways you can help. For example, as a volunteer - help by doing something you are effective at - join in cleaning up the damage caused by the disaster; offer your skills to rebuild the homes of the victims and a number of other similar events. You can also offer shelter, food and emotional support. The victims need all the help they can get to cope more quickly with the disaster that has befallen them.

Donate blood

If you qualify and are able to do so, donating blood is one of the best ways to help save lives after a disaster. Historically, hospitals have shown an increased demand for blood after disasters, and due to the short shelf life, they cannot simply stock up on blood to ease future demand. Contact the Bulgarian Red Cross or local hospital organizations to see if and where you can donate.

After the natural disaster has passed, you may be wondering what you can do to help those in need. Unfortunately, the more time that passes, the more people forget about the damage done by the natural disaster, and more or less there is a decline in the help given to the victims and the proceeds that are raised for the charitable campaigns set up for this purpose.

So it can be difficult to find the best way to help - especially when there are so many options. Fortunately, it's easy to figure out where to focus your time, energy and money. Look for active giving campaigns to support to the best of your ability if you're willing to help. Or if you or your loved ones need help yourself, create a fundraising campaign using the Pavel Andreev platform.

A similar campaign is Support Turkey and Syria . With the support of donors, we were able to help those in need with necessities- food, water, provisions, tents, medicine, etc.

Things to know when donating money or material aid to natural disaster campaigns

Keep in mind that monetary donations are often preferable to clothing and other physical goods because storage can be a challenge. When funds are secured, they can be used to purchase exactly the things that are needed.

Publicise the campaign as much as possible, talk to friends and share on social media - this will encourage others to do more.

Organise a fundraiser

Fundraising to help victims is very important for quick recovery after natural disasters. There are many ways to make it happen. Organize a bake sale or homemade items with your classmates or co-workers. Collect donations by setting up a collection box at your school, work or local restaurant, or simply ask your friends and neighbors directly for help. Other quick and easy ideas include bake sales, lemonade stands, yard sales... Any idea is doable and every penny raised can help! Show people how important it is to help, make it clear what challenges victims face. Be sure to also explain, if possible, what a difference it will make in these people's lives and how they will be relieved if they are helped.

Set up a fundraising campaign through the Pavel Andreev Foundation

As many different ways as there are to fundraise, it remains undeniable that the easiest way to fundraise is online. It is where the story spreads most easily and reaches a huge number of users. Even if some simply pass it by, many are ready to respond and help in any way they can. If you suffer after a natural disaster - flood, fire or earthquake, do not hesitate to seek help. On PavelAndreev.ORG you can easily create your charity fundraising campaign. In case you know someone who has been affected - you can also create a campaign for their benefit. Any help in such moments is priceless!

In order for the story to reach the hearts of as many good people as possible, make sure it is written clearly enough. Let potential donors understand well what happened, what you need and how their donation will be useful. When the donation campaign is already up and running, also be sure to keep donors informed with events around you. Share how much money was raised, how it was used... Be sure to say thank you for every donation made - it makes a difference, so help the donor feel their importance too. A well-crafted text and good communication with donors ensures the success of the launched charity campaign.