‘After the earthquakes, we must pull together and show that central Italy is open for business’ Sarah & Mark.

Living in Umbria, Stafford felt the bigger earthquakes but her own home suffered no damage, apart from two ornaments which fell off a shelf and shattered.

“We are truly fortunate, and we hope to persuade tourists that nearly all of central Italy is absolutely fine and open for business,” she told The Local.

“But our friends have done so much for others, and continue to do so, we really feel we want to do something worthwhile for them,” Stafford said. “As expats living in Italy, we really feel we should all pull together to help and support each other.”

Sarah and Mark helping the earthquake affected animals

Sarah and Mark had assisted in earthquake recovery efforts, not only in Amatrice but also in l’Aquila in 2009.

Within a couple of weeks of the August 24th disaster, they raised over €8,000 to help animals in the dangerous red zone, from domestic pets to the many farm animals in the area, coordinating with animal protection organization Oipa.

“They have been a driving force behind raising money for the earthquake-hit animals around Amatrice – as they did after the devastating earthquakes in L’Aquila several years ago,” explained Stafford.

Stafford and her husband Mark began raising money to help their friends buy temporary accommodation while their home is uninhabitable.

Mark and Sarah’s kitchen.

“They are always first to help others. They are an active part of their community and daily promote the beautiful area,” she explained. “We can’t help everyone, but we can make a difference to one family, who, in turn, will always pay it forward and help others in need.”

Giselle and her husband, also called Mark, have set up an online fundraising auction, which can be accessed worldwide and will take place between March 19th and 26th. With goods up for grabs ranging from artisan items, cooking classes, guided tours and holidays, they hope to help their friends while promoting the regions.

“Here in Umbria and Le Marche, we are all struggling to get the word out to the world that they are safe to visit. Tourism is way down, which is a massive blow to the economy,” said Giselle.

“Exaggerated media reports saying that the regions are on their knees and lying in rubble haven’t helped our cause!” she added, explaining that the vast majority of the Umbria and Le Marche regions have been unaffected by the quakes.

To view the items on offer in the auction and register to bid, go to the auction website.