Church in Chile collects funds to help victims of earthquake

Published: 2007-11-15

SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- The Catholic Church has begun collecting funds for the more than 15,000 people left homeless after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocked the desert and mining region of Antofagasta, 760 miles north of the capital, Santiago. The Archdiocese of Antofagasta, through the regional Caritas office, was coordinating with local parishes and the national offices of Caritas Chile to mount a nationwide fundraising campaign for victims of the earthquake. Two women died and 161 people were injured -- 11 seriously -- while nearly 4,000 homes were severely damaged or lay practically flat on the ground after the Nov. 14 quake. Most of the damaged homes were made of adobe. "People have not only lost their homes, but also many of their belongings, from furniture to kitchen utensils. But to save the costs and complications of transporting donated goods, we are calling on people to donate money that we can convert into bedsheets, chairs, pots and pans, etc.," said Luis Gonzalez Pizarro, director of Caritas Antofagasta.

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