In early February, wildfires devastated various areas in Valparaíso, Chile. Prolonged drought, high temperatures, and strong winds fueled the rapid spread of fires that reached residential areas. Over 16,000 buildings, including homes, were damaged, and more than 150 people lost their lives. Approximately one-third of Viña del Mar was severely damaged by the flames.
A national state of emergency was declared, and the victims have been making efforts to recover their daily lives with support from the government, local authorities, and citizens. However, much remains to be done before the city can fully recover.
More than 8,000 victims still rely on the free meals run by local governments in Viña del Mar.
To support the victims’ quick recovery, WeLoveU prepared 500 boxes of essential food supplies, including rice, flour, beans, spaghetti, salt, sugar, and cooking oil.
On July 17, WeLoveU members visited four temporary kitchens in Viña del Mar to help with preparing meals and comfort the victims. The following day, 500 boxes of groceries were delivered to 46 kitchens via the city hall. On September 5, additional clothing support was provided at Cancha el tamarugal, a logistics and relief center managed by the city.
Temporary Kitchen Volunteer Service
July 17
Food Box Delivery
July 18
Clothes Donation
September 5
Seeing neighbors smile as they received meals that were wholeheartedly prepared by the members brought joy to the volunteers as well. Victims and volunteers hugged and comforted each other, offering encouragement and hoping for a swift return to normal life.
Mayor Macarena Ripamonti expressed her gratitude to the WeLoveU, saying, “This donation is a great help to the victims of the massive wildfire.”
As the whole mountain burned in our neighborhood, more than 350 households were displaced. Initially, we served meals to 600 people from this communal kitchen, but with dwindling support, we can now only serve 200 people. Receiving these food supplies today, I was very happy. Thanks to this, we can provide food for 160 to 180 families for a month. We give thanks to the young people (WeLoveU members) who came to us.This kitchen is named ‘Faith and Hope,’ and true to its name, we will never lose our faith and hope. I hope more people will come forward to support us. Thank you very much.”
Jessica Rivera, Resident Representative of Loma La Torre
“I am very glad that you remembered and came to visit us. Few people visit us, aside from occasional city officials as it is a remote area. With declining support, running this communal kitchen has become difficult. Now, we open only every other day, as we are left with just a little pasta and rice. Thank you so much for WeLoveU’s support. I know about your efforts and passion to help us. I am so happy and deeply thankful.”
Christina, Temporary Kitchen Staff
“At first, we served 100 people at a time, but now it’s down to around 80. Even neighbors who used to bring vegetables have stopped, and we rely solely on city hall support. Many communal kitchens in other areas have closed due to lack of resources, but we continue to persevere. I am grateful to WeLoveU for visiting us. Thanks to your support, we can continue to do this work. Thank you very much.”
Temporary Kitchen Staff
We hope that this support brought comfort and hope to the neighbors affected by the disaster. We cheer for the swift recovery of daily life for all those affected in Viña del Mar and other parts of Valparaíso.
“To all the wildfire victims, stay strong!”
