Bupa latin America

News from Bupa Latin America and the Caribbean:

Bupa supports the community.

Bupa Cycling Challenge - Mindo, Ecuador 2007

The purpose of the challenge was to raise funds for the Mindo School and Orphanage project in Mindo, Ecuador. Approximately 350 people received information from the Bupa Ecuador office regarding the event. It is unknown how many more learned about it through “word of mouth”. The goal was to register at least 40 participants. A total of 88 cyclists, including 17 groups, exceeded the organizers’ expectations. An additional 30 participants had to be placed on a waiting list to ensure the safety of the event.

The bike ride was 64 kilometers long through rugged terrain, starting in the city of Quito (3,320 m. above sea level), and ending in Mindo (1,200 m above sea level). Participants gathered at 5:30 in the morning. They were transported along with their bikes in three Bupa escorted buses, along with national police presence, escort trucks, five automobiles and an ambulance in case of emergencies. The ride officially started at 9:00 a.m., with men, women and children between the ages of 5 to 12 years old participating for this worthy cause. It took about six hours for the last participant to reach the finish line.

On their own initiative, children from the Mindo School and Orphanage were cheering participants at the finish line with signs saying “Thank you for everything” and “Thank you for getting here”. It was a very emotional moment. The children also handed the medals.

Part of the funds collected from the event will be used to paint the children’s rooms at the orphanage.

Donation to Centro Casa de la Caridad

We are pleased to announce that Bupa has donated USD25,000 to the Centro Casa de la Caridad in Penipe, Ecuador. The center provides assistance to more than 35 disabled children with brain damage, mental delays, and Down’s Syndrome, being cared for by the Madres de la Caridad (Missionaries of Charity). The Missionaries of Charity also provide daily assistance to 42 communities in the area, and feed 500 people in a provisional dining hall that also serves as a school.

Carlos Moncayo, Commercial Director for Bupa Ecuador, recently traveled to Penipe to visit the center at get a first hand account of its current situation. The center has permanent volcanic residue due to constant volcano activity. The acid has considerable damaged the roof and causes health problems among Penipe’s inhabitants, especially children, triggering breathing allergies and pulmonary conditions.

Thanks to the donation, the center will be able to build a 400 m2 floor for the dormitory, bathrooms, laundry room and general lounge areas. Four domes will also be installed to provide heat and light. A 120 m2 space in the wash and dry area will also be covered. They will also be able to install an extractor fan for the kitchen.

Getting medication for the children and sealing the area where their rooms are located to prevent volcanic ash to go through are among the priorities of the center.

We are proud of what has been achieved to help the Centro Casa de la Caridad, and of our continuous effort to take care of the lives in our hands.

With this donation, the center will be able to:

Build a 400 square meter floor in the dormitory, bathrooms, laundry room and general lounge areas. Four domes will also be installed which will provide for heat and light.

Cover a 120 square meter space in the wash and dry area.

Acquire and install a kitchen extractor fan.

One of the priorities for the Mothers is to close the area where the children's rooms are located so the ashes can't come in, as well as getting the medications that the children need.

We should all feel proud for what has been achieved to help the "Casa de la Caridad", and of our continuous effort to "take care of the lives in our hands."

Bupa making a difference.

Bupa Makes a Donation to Cabecitas de Algodón in Antigua Guatemala

Cabecitas de Algodón, a nursing home located on the outskirts of Guatemala City, was the recipient of a Bupa donation in September 2007. The home opened its doors in 2002 to provide food, shelter and medication to needy elderly people. It supports itself through donations, currently providing care for 52 people.

Keith Biddlestone (Managing Director for Bupa International), David Maltby (Managing Director for Latin America and the Caribbean), and Raúl Miranda (Sales, Bupa Miami) presented a check for Q38,250 (approximately USD5,000) to the home’s Administrative Director, along with blankets for the residents.

Raúl Miranda said Bupa’s decision to help Cabecitas was right on target, “Since the care home area is an important part of Bupa’s core business, it made total sense for us to help care homes in need, especially in those markets where Bupa serves.”

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