Campaign for Oxygen in Carabayllo

Providence Associates of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul answered the call to help during the Pandemic by starting a campaign for oxygen of victims of Covid 19 in Peru.  These are just two stories that tell of their service.

Sister Sara Jiménez Angulo:

“On Sunday August 16, 2020, the Peruvian Associates met virtually and during the meeting Providence Associate and Public Health nurse, Lourdes Alvarez made a proposal that the Associates participate in a campaign to save the lives of persons with Covid-19 in Carabayllo, Peru. We made suggestions about people who could join the campaign to get an oxygen processing plant for Carabayllo. It is well known that the hospitals do not have enough oxygen to be able to attend to the entire population affected by the virus and many die at home or in hospitals because of the lack of oxygen.

August 20, 2020 we had the first meeting via Zoom for the campaign members. This campaign is being called “No One Else Dies”.  I will be representing the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.

I find myself moved by many signs of Hope and Light in this time of darkness. The campaign for oxygen for Carabayllo has motivated many people to participate, especially the youth and the organizations of the town. We meet every week via Zoom with the leadership team of the commission. Many ideas and suggestions have been put into practice. Our Bishop Lino Panizza Richero is supporting the campaign. Donations are being deposited in the Caritas Carabayllo account. Broadcast media have supported the campaign. Fund-raising activities and events have begun and culminated November 30, 2020. The beneficiaries of the Glass of Milk Program, which total more than three thousand at the district level, will contribute 1/2 sol each. Some of the young people of the El Progreso Library plan to hold a “Flea” Bazaar, others a Raffle, etc. The Peruvian Associates are also organizing to support it.

You can feel the warmth and the joy, the Solidarity and Hope that comes from projects to help the weakest. I feel happy because Our Provident God loves us, guides us and takes care of us.”

Associate Carmen Alomía Guía:

“Regarding the Campaign for Oxygen, it is on its way. As Associates, we decided to make a common fund for the initial contribution to the dissemination of information to the population. Those of us who are teachers are working on this issue in our classes so that as citizens we become aware of the importance of being organized and feeling that this campaign is ours, that is, it is of the entire population and moves us in solidarity and love. People are giving what they can…only a few soles sometimes…. but there is confidence that it will be possible.”

Persons line up for 2-3 days in order to refill oxygen tanks at inflated prices for COVID-19 patients. The Marillac Mission Fund has contributed $10,000 US to this campaign for oxygen in Carabayllo, Peru.

It’s amazing what Providence people can accomplish when they put their mind, heart and soul into a project!

Barbara McMullen, CDP