Students raising cash for earthquake-hit Ecuador

Gonzalo Leon, who is from the South American country, has set up an online fundraising page with his friend Maria Barragan to raise a goal of £2000.

He will then pass this on to the Red Cross, which is aiding families who lost everything in the quake, which hit on April 16.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Coast and has so far claimed the lives of over 650 people, injuring thousands more.

Gonzalo (20) who is studying international relations and management at St Andrews, explained: “The country is now facing a huge challenge, as the limited infrastructure that it has is now highly compromised. 

“There are thousands of people throughout the country still under the wreckages and in desperate need of aid and shelter.

“Despite being such a small community of Ecuadorians studying at such a prestigious university, we cannot remain indifferent in this devastating situation.

“We both feel that we have the responsibility to help our people, who are now certainly facing precarious and detrimental living conditions.

“It will go against our values those of our university to remain silent and simply observe such tragedy.”

He added: “In today’s world, small gestures and actions from people in privileged positions such as ourselves can bring smiles and hope to thousands of people in extreme need.

“In this moments of humanitarian crisis, we have a higher duty to do something for the thousands of victims.”

If you would like to donate to the cause, just visit Gonzalo and Maria’s fundraising page at: www.gofundme.com/5rzvss8c