BRAVE Foundation

Emergency Relief Fund On Thursday, May 27th, volcano Pacaya, situated about 15 miles south of Guatemala City, erupted spewing rock and ash, killing several and forcing thousands to evacuate. The wet ash caked the runways forcing La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City to close and left rivers of black mud filling the streets and clogging drains. Then on Friday and Saturday, Tropical Storm Agatha hit Guatemala dropping more than 36" of rain and leaving complete disaster in her wake. Agatha caused catastrophic flooding and mudslides killing at least 160 people with dozens still missing. More than 100,000 people have been left homeless. A large sink hole in Guatemala City swallowed an entire 3 story building and left a gaping hole 60' wide and 300' deep in a residential neighborhood forcing even more evacuations. CUT OFF FROM BASIC SERVICES In the mountainous region around Lake Atitlan, the roads have washed out and the only form of transportation the firefighters have for rescue, medical services, and evacuation is the water ambulance stationed in San Juan La Laguna. They are dedicated to doing whatever they can to help their community. The B.R.A.V.E. Foundation has provided training and equipment for these situations, but there is more work now than ever before as Guatemala recovers from yet another natural disaster. REBUILDING.....AGAIN! Rebuilding is a long term project. A source of income for many Guatemalans is coffee; including for many of our fellow volunteer bomberos. Coffee crops have been damaged and along with that went the ability to rebuild their lives any time soon. Disease is a given from stagnant water, contamination, and lack of sanitation options. As a result, the bomberos will be challenged with keeping up with the demand to serve more people. The economic conditions in Guatemala will not be able to meet the increased demand for services. ABOUT THE B.R.A.V.E. FOUNDATION The B.R.A.V.E. Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization seeking to improve the efforts of firefighters and medical personnel in developing countries to become self-sufficient by providing access to progressive training programs, efficient facilities, and functional equipment. Guatemala now has an improved EMS system because of these efforts and the bomberos are getting the training and tools they need to provide lifesaving treatments, unlike ever before. The B.R.A.V.E. Foundation has people on the ground in Guatemala directing the emergency relief efforts but we need your help! We need your financial support in order to provide necessary medical supplies, fuel for emergency vehicles, and other essentials as required for rescue efforts and Emergency Medical Services. PLEASE HELP! Are you able to help? Any donation amount makes a difference! Perhaps you are willing to ask your local fire department, church, Rotary Club, or other civic organization if they are able to lend a hand. It takes a village and your support of the B.R.A.V.E. Foundation and Guatemalan community is appreciated in this extraordinary time of need.

Make a donation at: www.bravefoundation.org Contact us at: bravefoundation@gmail.com

Mail donations to: B.R.A.V.E. Foundation P. O. Box 6429 Olympia, WA 98507-6429

Purpose & Vision

Firefighters from the Northwest and other jurisdictions have found a rewarding humanitarian purpose in working in support of Bomberos (firefighters) in Guatemala, Central America.

Guatemalan firefighters are no different than firefighters in the United States. They work tirelessly to help their public through medical and fire emergencies. Most of them are volunteers. They often do not have the proper equipment to meet the emergencies demands nor training in firefighting and EMS.

BRAVE Foundation was established with a mission of improving the fire and life saving efforts in developing countries. BRAVE Foundation is recruiting others who are interested in volunteering their talents, raise donations and collect surplused emergency apparatus and equipment.

Courage and dedication know no boundaries

Bomberos can seemingly do miracles with nothing. Their dedication to emergency services is unmatched. The Guatemala public is proud, strong in culture and thankful with the efforts of USA citizens.

This Latin American country, south of Mexico border, has been the home of the Mayan civilization, Contra War and now developing as a trade nation to the world. The fire department is countrywide, working under a central administration, a combination of full-time paid and volunteer. Each fire station must cover some of the operational expenses. The need is funding for construction of stations and repair of equipment.

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