La Vida Idealist

A week after the powerful earthquake, measuring 8.8 in magnitude, the people of Chile began three days of national mourning yesterday.  It may take several more weeks to completely understand the enormity of the damage caused by the earthquake last Saturday, the more than 120 aftershocks, and the subsequent tsunami.

With a Chilean grandmother, the events of last week hit especially hard for me.  Fortunately, all relatives of my family are safe and were several hours away from the hardest hit areas.  I did have the opportunity to speak with one of my cousins in Chile and she was able to give several recommendations on great organizations to donate to for those looking to help.

Un Techo para Chile – This organization typically works with constructing new neighborhoods in Chile’s poorest regions.  With the many people left homeless following the earthquake, Un Techo para Chile will be an instrumental organization in helping with reconstruction.

Cruz Roja Chilena - As the Red Cross of Chile, Cruz Roja has been responding to the quakes since the beginning.  They have even set up a separate site to help families who have lost contact with relatives since the earthquake.

Bomberos de Chile - I recently learned that the firefighters in Chile do not receive salaries.  These professionals are assisting with the rebuilding efforts on a completely volunteer basis.

Armada de Chile – The Chilean Navy has also been critical in responding to the crises over the past week.

While the devastation to the country of Chile is immense, fortunately aid appears to be reaching those in need in a timely fashion.  Currently I have plans to travel to Chile in late April.  I hope to be able to report then that the country is well on its way to recovery and that the people of Chile will prevail.

To learn more about the earthquakes in Chile, check out CNN’s dedicated site to coverage or for first person accounts of life after the quake on The Pulse.

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