Paramount’s local television station in Miami is launching a relief fundraiser for victims affected by two strong earthquakes that rocked Venezuela last week.
The initiative, called “Hope 4 Venezuela,” is being conducted by WFOR-TV (Channel 4) in partnership with Neighbors 4 Neighbors and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), combining fundraising, news coverage and community outreach to assist families affected by the disaster.
The campaign is centered in South Florida, where the station serves a large Venezuelan-American population. According to Pew Research Center citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than a quarter-million U.S.-Venezuelans live in Miami.
WFOR-TV said it will use its television broadcasts, website and social media platforms to provide information about relief efforts, encourage donations and connect viewers with trusted organizations coordinating aid.
“As a local newsroom, our role goes beyond reporting — we are here to serve, inform and activate our community in moments of need,” Miguel Fernandez, Vice President and News Director of WFOR-TV CBS Miami, said in a statement. “South Florida’s connection to Venezuela is deeply personal, and we are committed to using our platform to help families facing unimaginable loss.”
The station will devote its entire 7 p.m. newscast on July 1 to the campaign, transforming the broadcast into a special focused on raising awareness, encouraging donations and highlighting ways viewers can participate in the relief effort. The special is part of a broader daylong campaign across WFOR-TV’s television and digital platforms.
Kim Voet, the President and General Manager of WFOR-TV CBS Miami, said the initiative demonstrates how local television stations can leverage their reach to support communities during humanitarian crises.
“This initiative reflects the power of local journalism to bring communities together and drive meaningful impact,” Voet said. “We are proud to stand with our viewers, partners and the Venezuelan community to provide support and deliver real help where it is needed most.”
Global Empowerment Mission and Neighbors 4 Neighbors will manage the distribution of monetary donations and essential supplies collected through the campaign.
“Local media plays a critical role in moments like this, connecting people to trusted organizations and turning compassion into action,” said Katy Meagher, the President and CEO of Neighbors 4 Neighbors. “Together with CBS Miami and GEM, we are working urgently to deliver life-saving aid to those who need it most.”
In addition to financial contributions, the campaign is collecting nonperishable food, hygiene products, baby supplies and clothing at Global Empowerment Mission’s collection center in Doral.
To learn more about WFOR-TV’s donation campaign, click or tap here.
