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Valparaiso, Chile. Material donations may be made at the clubhouse (Quillota 135 between 2 and 3 North, Viña del Mar), call for directions.  Information is also available by email: vascovalpo@gmail.com or vaspovalpo@entelchile.net or by phone:  (56) - 32 - 2979718 or 09 – 94593717

The Basque club in the Fifth Chilean Region announced that it will gather donations, monetary and material, until next Friday, “later we will let people know where they can take their goods.”  “The most needed items are personal items, toiletries, diapers for children and adults, sanitary pads, blankets. Tools, school supplies and non-perishable food, milk; as well as pet food for dogs and cats, kennels, ointments and dressings.”

In the note sent to EuskalKultura.com the club remarked “As a Basque club we think that we have a duty to be present and to help our fellow countrymen.  It is a moral duty that we have with Valparaiso who in the past hosted and provided a future to our parents and grandparents.”

The Basque club stresses that this was the largest fire in the history of Valparaiso, and probably in Chile.  There is a chance that the fire could reemerge in the next 72 hours.  So far it has destroyed 850 hectares, 2,000 houses are a total loss, with more than 10,000 families affected 12 dead, along with the missing as well as deceased and lost animals.  These are hardworking people who have lost their life’s work, memories, and dreams.

The note ends stressing that there are “entire families who have lost their homes.  Many children are risking disease.  The majority are being housed today in hostels, volunteers and people’s solidarity has been impressive, but still more is needed, and so we are asking everyone who can to help via the Valparaiso Basque club.”