29^th March, 2010(Monday)

The Salvation Army Provides Help in Communities Affected by Earthquake in Chile

Strong aftershocks have heightened the feeling of fear in Chile more than two weeks after the earthquake and tsunami that caused devastation on 27 February. Three shocks as Chile was inaugurating its new President measured up to around seven on the Richter scale, not far short of the magnitude of the original earthquake.

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The Salvation Army in Chile has been distributing help throughout the country. More than 15,000 people have been helped and 14,000 rations of food provided to individuals and families. Some 350 volunteers have given their help.

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A campaign called ¡§Strong Arms Around Chile¡¨ has been set up to help collect donations and goods that can be delivered to the neediest Chileans.

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In the area around the capital, Santiago, coffee, hot meals and other services continue to be offered. The south of the country, particularly coastal regions, was most affected by the disaster and this area is where The Salvation Army is focusing its efforts.

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Four hundred baskets with basic necessities have been given out in Caleta Tumbes, which was affected by both the quake and tsunami. Salvation Army workers are helping to clear debris in this area. The Salvation Army is also distributing family baskets with basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene products, and clothes to families who are sleeping outdoors since they no longer have homes.

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In Concepciˆun, around the epicentre of the earthquake, family baskets were distributed at a camp in the centre of the city. In nearby Hualpˆmn, a well on the grounds of Hualpencillo Corps (church) is providing water to the neighbourhood.

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The Salvation Army's Central Division in Chile sent 20 tons of food, clothing and water to the cities of Concepciˆun and Hualpˆmn, including some goods purchased with funds received from overseas.

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Major Raelton Gibbs (International Emergency Services) is now in Chile to assist and advise the local Salvation Army teams. The Chilean Salvation Army continues to work and aid those in need by providing not only material necessities but also spiritual comfort.

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Please Help Us to Help Those Who are Suffering

Donations in support of this response are needed. Please make donation via the following channels:

1) Bank Accounts:

- HSBC : 580-149649-001

- BEA    : 015-515-10-50541-3
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2) Cheque:

Please make cheque payable to "The Salvation Army" and write ¡§Chile Earthquake¡¨ on the back, and send to "The Salvation Army, 11 Wing Sing Lane, Yaumatei, Kowloon, Hong Kong". For donation enquiries, please call 2783-2333.

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A Salvation Army team member distributes essentials to people in need in Haulpen, Chile

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Salvation Army team members help with the clear-up operation following the tsunami that hit Caleta Tumbes, Chile

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Salvationists pray with local people living in a community hit by the tsunami caused by the 27 February earthquake

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