Scouts for Chile: Wildfires Relief and Recovery

The wildfires in Chile's Valparaíso region, which ignited on 2 February, have rapidly escalated into a devastating crisis. More than 161 fires had been reported since 5 February, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. These wildfires have become the deadliest disaster in Chile's history, surpassing the impact created by the earthquake and tsunami which hit the country in 2010. Thousands of acres of land have been consumed by flames, displacing families and leaving communities in ruins. 

With a sense of duty, the Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Chile (Scouts and Guides of Chile) is rallying and calling upon Scouts nationwide to stand together in solidarity and compassion. Answering the call to serve their fellow citizens, the National Scout Organization is helping to mobilise hundreds of volunteers to provide immediate relief and support to those affected, while also working to mitigate further damage to the environment, and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience.

The actions coordinated by the Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Chile are driven by a commitment to support young people and their families in the Valparaíso region, ensuring their health, safety and well-being in the aftermath of the disaster. Scouts are actively providing shelter, medical assistance, and other basic supplies and necessities to those affected. 

 

The National Scout Organization is offering their further support to provide humanitarian assistance to communities across Chile affected by the wildfires by engaging Scout volunteers to deliver essential hygiene and food kits. School supplies and educational materials are being collected and distributed to children and young people impacted by the wildfires to support their continued education and learning.

Through the Scout Donation Platform, the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Chile have launched a global appeal to raise funds to support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts led by Scouts in Chile. Scouts around the world are also showing their compassion and solidarity by sending messages of support to our Chilean friends.

 

Please consider making a donation through the Scout Donation Platform to support the efforts of Scouts to assist people and communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Chile.