As heirs of a saint attentive to the needs of his time, and of an ongoing spirituality involving practicality and commitment, the members of the Salesian Family are personally motivated to help the people affected by this tragedy, starting from those linked to the Salesian presence, but extending their attention to the entire region of Valparaíso.
According to the data available so far, 10 families linked to the Salesian Institute in Valparaíso have been most strongly affected by this event, with the total loss of their homes or those of their closest family members. To these is added the case of Edgardo Fernandez, responsible for the communication of the institute, who unfortunately lost family members in the fires; to him the entire Salesian Family sent condolences, accompanied by prayers and gestures of solidarity.
Fr Nelson Moreno, Provincial of the Salesians in Chile, under the biblical motto "They shared everything they had", invited everyone to be an echo of hope in the tragedy that occurred in the Valparaiso region, to concretely help the affected families.
From Tuesday 6 February to Friday 16 March 2024, in addition to the local campaigns carried out in the various Salesian presences in the country – who are collecting materials such as clothing, cleaning materials and food – it will also be possible to raise money to directly help the reconstruction of the affected houses.
The Salesian institute in Valparaíso is acting as a platform both to receive the most urgent aid, such as non-perishable food, water, diapers/nappies and pet food; and for the collection and sharing of information by affected individuals and families in the community – which can be sent to the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. indicating specific data such as the name of the student, the address and the situation of the student and his/her family members.
The Federation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco of Chile has also launched its own fundraising campaign to support those affected.
The Don Bosco Foundation has set up a collection centre for those who wish to contribute by donating non-perishable food, water, cereal bars or personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, soap and sanitiser.
To make a contribution, please refer to the following link or to the data indicated on the website of the Salesian Bulletin, Chile.
