Union graduate student Mariane Tressoldi Moschetta seeks support from her Bulldog family for her home state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Since the end of April, her community has faced torrential rains, flooding, a dam collapse, landslides, destruction of roads and bridges, and loss of power and clean water. Over 100 people in the area have been killed, many more have been inured, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes. As heavy rains continue, the situation is expected to worsen.

“This is the worst flood in the history of my state,” Mariane says. “The water has gotten as high as 108 feet, and people have lost their lives, their homes, their kids, and their parents. I do not know how long it will take for my home to recover from this tragedy.” 

Mariane and Union administration urge those who are able to donate to the Brazil Foundation’s Rio Grande do Sul Humanitarian Campaign at Donate now (Funds) | BrazilFoundation. The Foundation has a 24-year track record of strategic philanthropy in Brazil, and 100% of donations to the fund will go to flood relief.

“Union has been my home for the past six years, and I am hoping that my American family can help my Brazilian family,” Mariane says. “My way to help is by asking for donations.”