Calgary Helps Chile Event, March 21, 2010

In the early morning of Feb 27, 2010 the country of Chile was awakened by an earthquake of 8.8 magnitude which lasted over 90 seconds. The epicentre was located 63 kilometres southeast of Cauquenes, in the region of Maule (406 kilometres south from Santiago). As a result, a tsunami was produced which affected a coastal strip of more than 500 kilometres, taking with it entire cities and leaving hundreds of people missing, particularly in the regions of Maule and Bio Bio. Since that morning, there have been more than 128 aftershocks, some recorded as high as 6.9 magnitude, causing extensive damage throughout Chile. As of date, there are over 800 confirmed deaths. Approximately 1.5 million people have been affected, losing their homes and livelihood. Over 500,000 homes have been lost so far.

In an attempt for all Canadians to assist Chile during this devastation and time of need, a group of young Chilean Canadian professionals have formed Calgary Helps Chile and partnered with The International Federation of Red Cross. The Chilean Red Cross’ focus is to provide support for an appropriate and timely response in delivering assistance in the sectors of emergency health (field hospitals), relief, water and sanitation, emergency shelter and early recovery.

Calgary Helps Chile will be hosting a fundraiser which will include live entertainment and a silent auction on Sunday March 21, 2010 at a location to be announced. Admission is free, however, donations in the form of cash or cheque, will be gratefully accepted at the door as well as throughout the event. Doors will open at 4:00pm, at which time all silent auction items will be available for viewing. Live entertainment will commence at 6:00pm. All proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross Chile disaster relief efforts.
Calgary Helps Chile is currently accepting donations for silent auction items, cash donations to sponsor additional silent auction items, as well as donations of airtime and promotional assistance from radio, newspapers and television.

Learn more about Calgary Helps Chile.