Albergue el Socorro, one of the new reserves that Rainforest Biodiversity Group helped to create as part of the Costa Rican Bird Route was one of the many victims of the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Costa Rica on January 8th, 2009. The quake, whose epicenter was near the mountain town of Cinchona, famous for its hummingbird feeders, left at least 23 dead, destroyed multiple towns, collapsed a valley, and left the Sarapiqui River a disaster.
At Albergue el Socorro the main house of the Miranda family is left crooked and inhospitable. The floor tiles in pieces, the foundation cracked and the walls are literally left at an angle. To help Don Jose and his family replace their home, which had acted as the reception, kitchen and dining area for visiting birdwatchers, RBG held a fundraiser in February.
This fundraiser was extremely successful as RBG supporters donated a total of $4,213.85 for the effort.
The owner of Finca Pangola, another of the newly created reserves within the Costa Rican Bird Route, Henk Morelisse was instrumental in providing support for his fellow Bird Route site, Albergue del Socorro. Henk was able to raise $3,195 of the total RBG helped to raise.
On Saturday, February 28th, RBG representatives, along with Henk Morelisse, visited Don Jose and his family at their make shift home on the property to present Don Jose with the raised funds. These funds will go to rebuilding a house that will continue to serve as a welcome center and dining room for visitors from around the world.
The Rainforest Biodiversity group thanks our supporters that came through to help this family. Stay tuned for updates on the development of Albergue el Socorros’ new installations.
Donors:
Gretchen and Bob Hunter
Stacey and Doug Fuller
Mark and Shari Eggleson
Dave and Diane Edwards
Terry Rich
Will Weber
Jerry and Janice Waters
Kevin Loope
Peter Ross
Richard Bielawski
Robert Rothschild
Lillian Harris
Henk Morelisse
Hotels Ahead BV
Concrete Architectural Associates Amsterdam
PEC Project Evaluation Consultancy NV
Jos & Margreet Schaap
Mieke Morelisse
Nico & Ellen Letschert
