FECOLJUEGOS explains the solidarity campaign to support the victims of the earthquake

The earthquake of August 10 mobilized the Colombian gambling sector, which decided to transform its solidarity into a concrete action in support of the affected communities. Under the slogan "We bet on Hope and Solidarity", it seeks to gather contributions from businessmen, affiliates and allies to contribute to the recovery of the affected areas.

In this exclusive interview for SoloAzar, Evert Montero Cárdenas, president of FECOLJUEGOS, explains the objectives of the campaign, the mechanisms envisaged to guarantee transparency in the management of resources and the role that specialized media can play to expand its reach.

A collective response to the emergency

What motivated Fecoljuegos and the businessmen of the sector to promote this solidarity campaign after the earthquake of August 10?

"The magnitude of what happened and, especially, knowing the effects that so many families face led us to act. From the first moment we understood that it was not enough to express our solidarity; We wanted to turn it into a concrete action and convene the entire sector around a common purpose.

Fecoljuegos represents entrepreneurs who generate employment, investment and resources for the country, but we believe that our responsibility as a sector is also demonstrated at times like this. That is why we decided to lead "We bet on Hope and Solidarity", a campaign that seeks to mobilize our affiliates, entrepreneurs, allies and other industry actors to contribute to the recovery of affected communities.

This initiative is also born from something that characterises our sector: when we have a common purpose we are able to come together and act collectively. Today that purpose is above any business interest: to accompany those who are going through a difficult situation and contribute to the reconstruction of their lives."

Transparency and destination of contributions

What is the fundraising objective of the campaign and how will the resources obtained be allocated to the affected people and communities?

"Rather than initially setting a figure, we wanted this to be an open call, in which each entrepreneur and each person can contribute according to their possibilities. Of course, we want to achieve the greatest possible collection, but the real indicator of success will be our ability to transform those resources into concrete aid for the affected communities.

The campaign is being developed under the principles of transparency, traceability and responsibility. Fecoljuegos will keep track of the contributions received and, once the collection period is over, we will consolidate and communicate the total value obtained. We want those who join this initiative to know how much we managed to collect and later how those resources were allocated.

In terms of execution, we are technically evaluating what is the mechanism that allows us to generate the greatest possible impact and guarantee an adequate allocation of resources. One of the priority needs identified is related to the effects on housing, so we are contemplating directing resources towards aid that contributes to their recovery or reconstruction.

At the same time, we are analyzing the possibility of channeling the collection through a specialized and duly constituted entity, with experience in humanitarian assistance and capacity to execute the resources directly in the territory, such as the Colombian Red Cross, ABACO or another organization that meets the necessary conditions.

The final decision will be made looking for three fundamental things: that the aid really reaches those who need it, that the resources have the greatest possible impact and that the entire process can be supported and delivered in a transparent manner. We do not want to improvise in the execution because of the urgency. We want to act quickly, yes, but also responsibly.

At the end of the process we will present the corresponding collection and destination report, because the trust of our businessmen and those who are contributing is an essential part of this campaign."

The role of the industry's media

What role do you expect the industry media to play in spreading the word about the campaign and what concrete actions can they take to contribute?

"The media in our industry have an extraordinary capacity to multiply this message. That is why their participation is essential. We don't just need contributors; we need people and organizations to help us make the initiative visible and expand its reach inside and outside Colombia.

Sharing the official pieces, the campaign video, the contribution mechanisms and the international PayPal link on your websites, newsletters, social networks and other channels can make a huge difference.

We are especially grateful to SoloAzar for opening this space for us. When a media outlet decides to amplify an initiative of this nature, it also becomes part of it."

"You are not alone": the message to the affected communities

Finally, what message would you like to convey from Fecoljuegos to Colombian society and the gaming sector in this time of emergency?

"That this is a moment to show that solidarity has no sectors, borders or company sizes. Behind our industry there are thousands of people, families, collaborators and entrepreneurs who are also part of Colombia and who understand that when a community goes through a situation like this, we can all contribute.

I invite our entrepreneurs and the entire industry to join. It does not matter if the contribution is large or small; What is really important is to participate, share and help this initiative reach more and more people.

And to the affected communities, we want to say something very simple: you are not alone. From Fecoljuegos and from our sector we want to contribute so that they can recover not only what they lost materially, but also the hope of starting over.

This campaign sums up precisely what we want to express: "We are committed to hope and solidarity".

Because today, more than ever, we want to show that we are an entire sector, one heart".