Pediatric Services in Remote Areas of Argentina

Dear friends,

The year 2012 began with renewed strength and many projects ahead of us! Once again we share our news, achievements and desire to continue to "Join Hands" to help our kids. Thank you for choosing our foundation to be the link between your generosity and the children who need it!

Projects and Achievements

On February 4^th, during a picnic in the city of Buenos Aires, organized in a joint effort with the organization “Corazones Solidarios”, a large amount of donations were collected. These included clothing, shoes, soccer balls, school supplies, toiletries, etc.  All donations were delivered to La Casita de Micaela in Buenos Aires. This organization also donated school supplies and soccer balls for a community in Entre Rios. Thank you very much for your continued support and commitment!

Back in March, the repair work of the electrical system of the community center in Noccan Kani, Santa Fe was started. This center benefits approximately 150 children who receive food, pediatric services and perform daily activities.

During the medical service visits to González Catán conducted during the months of January, February and March more than 80 children were seen. At this time, dental and ophthalmology services were also provided to 73 patients. 16 pairs of glasses were prescribed and they are already in the process of being delivered. Pediatric patients received medicines and complementary feeding guidelines were offered to moms of babies under a year. A social worker was present at one of the visits in an effort to track and control patients with complex health problems.

Medical attention was provided to 54 children during the pediatric visits to the community of Los Oleros, in Misiones during January and March.

Civil Association Santa Clara completed the first trip of the year to Misiones. On this trip, 3 schools were visited and the communities received pediatric and dental services. Donations such as school supplies, non-perishable food items and other items were handed to the schools.

As in previous years, the campaign "For a child's breakfast", which provides food to schools in Pampa del Indio, Chaco, was launched coinciding with the beginning of the school year.

Thanks to the received funding the transformation of a bus has been begun to convert it in first aid  and clinic service rooms. This project is key to continue expanding the  pediatric services in the most deprived areas of Argentina

We continue to provide pediatric services to schools in remote areas in different provinces of Argentina through donations received on GlobalGiving:

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/pediatric-services-in-remote-areas-of-argentina/

We are thrilled to announce our new pediatric services!

On March 24, the first pediatric visit was completed in an aboriginal community in Santa Fe.  15 children received medical attention as well as other 25 patients with diverse health problems. After the visit, the children received books, school supplies and sweets. It’s important to acknowledge the dedication shown by all the volunteers who participated. To a community in a situation of such extreme need, an act of selfless help can really give hope and strength.

Another pediatric visit was completed for the community of “Merendero Belen” in Salta. On March 24^th, 25 patients were seen and a workshop on hygiene and disease prevention was run for the families of the community.

During the first quarter of the year the donations received included clothes, shoes, books, toys, games, school supplies, art workshop supplies, linens, lice treatment shampoos, VCRs, movies, medicines, milk powder, baby items, 3 monitors, computers, printers, furniture, fans, soccer balls, toiletries, a television, musical instruments, 2 refrigerators and non-perishable food. These items were sent to the communities we help in Misiones, Salta, Tucumán, Santa Fe, Entre Rios, Corrientes and Buenos Aires.

Our partner in Argentina, Teresa Donaire, continues to work hard coordinating the reception and destination of donations. She is responsible for receiving, packing and sending everything according to the specific needs of each community or school. Her help is invaluable and without her efforts our work would not be the same. Thanks a lot Tere!

Events

- For the third consecutive year, the Miami Heat held ‘The Argentinean Night” to benefit Sumando Manos Foundation. Our home team, the Miami Heat, was visited by San Antonio Spurs and Manu Ginobili. Hundreds of fans enjoyed his presence and interacted with him having their fan pictures taken.

-The first three Truco Tournaments of 2012 were held with the same success as in previous years. You are all invited to the next tournaments in September, October and November, in Manolo's Restaurant in Miami Beach (73rd Street and Collins Ave). Thanks to the players for their participation and enthusiasm!

-Three marathon runners ran benefiting Sumando Manos and were able to raise over US$ 3,000.00.  Thanks Elizabeth, Vanessa and Silvana!!!  If you are thinking of participating in a marathon or other sporting event, contact us to do so for a good cause.     

Aerolineas Argentinas has renewed its support providing tickets to Argentina for some of the events of the Foundation. Thanks for the continued support!   

More restaurants joined our program "Dine in an Argentinean Restaurant and Help a Child in Need”.  Make sure to visit the restaurants listed on our promotional brochure on the designated dates. You can have a good time with friends and help many children.

A campaign to receive donations through text messages and provide school supplies to schools in remote areas was launched during March. In the USA, you can text "GIVE 8535" to 80088 to donate US$ 10.00 to help our children in Argentina.

For more information about the foundation please visit www.sumandomanos.org.

Links:

• Sumando Manos Foundation Website

• Newsletter in Spanish (PDF)