Edmonton Restaurant Raises Funds for Venezuela Earthquake Relief
Sazón Venezuelan Experience owner Esmeralda Leon donates $20 empanada specials to medical supply efforts after back-to-back quakes devastated her home country.
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Esmeralda Leon, owner of Sazón Venezuelan Experience, learned of devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela this week through a call from her mother, who was visiting Leon's grandmother and extended family in the country.
"It caught us by surprise," Leon said. "I was devastated when my mom called me and told me that it just had happened, that they had to run outside the home." She received word that her family was safe, but knew she had to do something to help others.
Leon has turned her skills as a head chef into action. Every $20 donation comes with a free beef, chicken, or cheese empanada. Money raised will support medical supplies and equipment for victim relief in hospitals.
"Our hearts are still there, so we feel like we have to do something to be able to help, be able to give a part of us back to them," Leon said, hoping to see the greater Edmonton community support Venezuela during the crisis.
"It can happen anywhere so we are here to support right now, Venezuela," she added.