Today, we pause to remember the lives lost in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, and to honor the families, survivors, first responders, and community members whose lives were forever changed on June 24, 2021.
Five years have passed since that heartbreaking morning, yet the grief and memories remain deeply woven into the fabric of our South Florida community. For many, the loss still feels as profound today as it did in those first unimaginable days.
The Surfside tragedy holds a special place in the heart of Global Empowerment Mission. As a South Florida-based organization, this disaster struck in our own backyard, affecting neighbors, friends, and members of the community we call home.
In the aftermath of the collapse, GEM stood alongside first responders, local leaders, residents, and supporters from around the world to provide immediate relief and long-term assistance to those impacted. Together, we distributed $397,993 in GEM BStrong Visa cards, provided $349,523 in relocation deposits, raised $397,619 through the Champlain Towers Residents Fund, delivered 250 Family Necessities Kits, distributed $20,000 in Walmart gift cards, and provided $11,000 in GEM BStrong Visa cards to building employees. We also helped relocate 34 families and coordinated with 25 restaurant groups to provide meals for the heroic first responders working tirelessly at the site.
While statistics tell part of the story, they can never fully capture the heartbreak, resilience, courage, and compassion that emerged from one of the darkest moments in our community’s history.
Today, we remember those we lost. We stand with the families who continue to carry their loved ones in their hearts. And we honor the extraordinary spirit of a community that came together in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
We will never forget. To learn more, visit: GEM.org
#SurfsideStrong #NeverForget #Surfside #ChamplainTowersSouth #CommunityStrong
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