In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, Ocean Bank has joined forces with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce to launch a large-scale humanitarian relief effort supporting affected communities.
As the exclusive financial institution serving as the official donation collection partner for the initiative, Ocean Bank will accept relief supplies at each of its 25 branch locations throughout South Florida while also sponsoring the first emergency cargo flight carrying life-saving aid to Venezuela.
The inaugural humanitarian airlift, funded through an $80,000 donation from Ocean Bank, is scheduled to depart from Miami International Airport on Sunday, June 28, carrying urgently needed relief supplies assembled by Global Empowerment Mission and its network of partners.
“We are touched by this tragedy and are committed to providing aid to the people of Venezuela,” said Agostinho Alfonso Macedo, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Ocean Bank.”
Global Empowerment Mission, an internationally recognized disaster relief organization headquartered in Doral, has mobilized emergency response teams and logistics operations immediately following the earthquake. Working alongside long-standing local partners in Venezuela, GEM is coordinating the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, hygiene products, medical supplies, and other emergency essentials.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ocean Bank for their extraordinary generosity and leadership,” said Michael Capponi, Founder and President of Global Empowerment Mission. “Their $80,000 contribution is making it possible for our first cargo aircraft to depart immediately with desperately needed aid. Partnerships like this allow us to respond quickly when every hour matters.”
Beginning Tuesday, June 30, all 25 Ocean Bank branches, including 21 in Miami-Dade County, two in Broward County, one in Boca Raton, and one in Orlando, will serve as official donation collection sites during regular banking hours. The donation drive will continue over the next 30 days, through July 31.
In addition to collecting relief supplies, Ocean Bank is encouraging employees throughout the organization to volunteer at GEM’s headquarters in Doral, where thousands of donated items are being sorted, packed, and prepared for international shipment.
The Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce is coordinating monetary donations to further support emergency relief efforts. Contributions can be made online at:
https://donate.stripe.com/eVq14m62u9BRdpm4Xw2sM02
About Ocean Bank
Ocean Bank is the largest independent, state-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Florida, with approximately $7.54 billion in assets. Chartered in 1982, Ocean Bank operates a network of 25 branches throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Orange counties. The community bank has received numerous awards and recognitions for its longstanding commitment to serving South Florida communities through philanthropy, civic engagement, and community partnerships. Ocean Bank is a Member FDIC.
About Global Empowerment Mission
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is an international humanitarian organization based in Doral, Florida, that specializes in disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts around the world. Since its founding, GEM has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and conflicts across more than 80 countries through strategic partnerships, rapid deployment logistics, and locally driven recovery initiatives.
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