In August of 2006, the Tungurahua volcano erupted near the city of Ambato, Ecuador, affecting approximately three million people and forcing the evacuation of 19,000. Responding to PADF’s call for donations, Stanford Financial Group sent $10,000 to provide school uniforms, shoes, and other educational materials for hundreds of children in various schools surrounding the volcano. The Fundación Cuesta Holguín identified the children whose families were hit the hardest by the eruption and provided them with items that would assure their continued attendance in school. The local AMCHAM served as an important partner in identifying local priorities and as a transparent and reliable local entity to implement the activities.

PADF and the OAS in Ecuador made a donation to the Civil Defense National Office to purchase and distribute materials and equipment for the provinces of Loja, Azuay, and Cotopaxi affected by flooding and landslides that occurred between February and April of 2006. The supplies went directly to local provincial committees, who coordinated relief efforts, communications, temporary shelters, and the delivery of medicines, personal hygiene kits, and food (such as water, canned food, powdered milk, cereals, among others) to families affected by the intense rainfall.