Venezuelans in Miami collect items for protests back home
Venezuelans against President
Venezuelans living abroad are collecting box loads of items, including safety helmets, gas masks and firstaid kits -- to support the crowds marching in their homeland against the socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Increasingly violent near-daily protests that began April 1 have left 38 dead, and hundreds wounded and under arrest.
In Miami, often referred to as the “capital of Latin America” and a city with a large Venezuelan community, meet-ups where donations are collected are increasingly common.
The gatherings are advertised on WhatsApp, Instagram or Twitter, and identified with Venezuelan flags and signs like ‘solidarity’ or ‘SOS Venezuela.’ Lists of preferred items are posted online.
“I did what I could to buy everything that was on the list and contribute my grain of sand to support these people who are fighting for my country,” said Michelle Lewin, a 31 yearold fitness model.
Lewin dropped two large bags of supplies on a table at a Colombian restaurant where donations were being accepted.
Most donations are geared towards protecting demonstrators from tear gas, pepper spray and other crowd-dispersal gases used by Venezuelan riot police. Hooded protesters, sometimes carrying home-made shields, also throw rocks, fuel bombs and bottles filled with paint or excrement.
Liquid antiacids are good to treat gas-caused skin burns. For eye protection, swim goggles are popular, as are walkietalkies, hydrogen peroxide, neck braces, and leather gloves to pick up and hurl hot gas canisters back at the police