The 8.8-magnitude earthquake and associated tsunami of February 27th, 2010 devasted a wide area of central Chile. The victims require not only emergency help, but also more long-term reconstruction assistance.
AmCham Chile is committed to encourage private-sector reconstruction assistance that meets Chilean government-defined needs and requirements. We have been working with the Special Emergency and Reconstruction Office to obtain official and specific guidance on how to meet some of the most pressing needs, and to ensure that donations are directed as effectively as possible.
In order to facilitate and expedite the donation process for those companies and individuals who wish assist those most affected by the earthquake and tsunami, AmCham Chile has selected two important focus areas, in coordination with renowned institutions.
Coaniquem Burned Children Fund is focused on facilitanting their instalations and equipment for ambulatory surgery of patients that should have been treated in the Félix Bulnes Hospital of Santiago, which was severly damaged (see video ). The hospital serves a large population of Chileans who do not have access to the private healthcare system. Coaniquem needs special equipment to meet these emergencies and thus to be able to help the public health system. The costs, detailed here, total US$690,000. You can see this letter for further details. Donations can be made here.
For more information in Coaniquem, please contact: Luis Ortúzar (lortuzar@coaniquem.cl). Mobile: 569-89035718.
AmCham is working with Sociedad Activa (the Chilean branch of United Way) to rebuild a community day care center in Constitución (one of the most severely affected cities by the earthquake) for 150 children that have no other facility. In the U.S.A., a US $10.00 donation can be made by dialing 864833 (UNITED) and texting CHILE or clicking here for more options.
For more details on this proyect, you can see this video, or contact in Sociedad Activa:
Alejandra Fuenzalida (alejandrafuenzalida@sociedadactiva.cl)
Phone:56-02-940 0213
Chile´s "artisanal" fishermen practice a way of life that has been passed down for generations. The tsunami had a devastating impact on many of them and their families. The most urgent needs are new fishing craft and motors, which will allow the affected fishermen to begin to resume their way of life and support their families.
AmCham is supporting Mar de Esperanza campaign, a iniciative launched by regional institutions (University of Concepción, Radio Bio-Bio, Artisanal Fishermen’s Regional Federation, (Ferepa) and Celulosa Arauco) to help the fishermen of Chile's Bio-Bio region. The cost of adequate equipment can reach US$20.000, an amount well beyond their reach. Donations outside Chile can be made through the Relief program of th Pan American Development Foudation (PADF).
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