Edmonton restaurant sells empanadas for Venezuela earthquake relief

An Edmonton restaurant is turning its culinary skills into a lifeline for those affected by devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Sazón Venezuelan Experience owner Esmeralda Leon is selling empanadas to raise money for medical supplies.

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It caught us by surprise. I was devastated when my mom called and told me that it just had happened, that they had to run outside the home.

Leon learned of the disaster from her mother, who was visiting family in Venezuela. "I was devastated when my mom called and told me that it just had happened, that they had to run outside the home," Leon said. Fortunately, her immediate family was safe, prompting her to find a way to support others.

"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," she explained. Leon, a head chef, is using her expertise to create beef, chicken, or cheese empanadas for a $20 donation.

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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.

She hopes the Edmonton community will rally behind her efforts. "It can happen anywhere so we are here to support right now, Venezuela," Leon stated, emphasizing the universal need for support during crises.

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It can happen anywhere so we are here to support right now, Venezuela.