When news spread that an 8.8 magnitude earthquake had struck central Chile on Feb. 27, 2010 at 3:34 AM (local time), the thoughts of the Danfelt-Martin family in Hovland immediately went to the friends Gwen Danfelt-Martin had made during her time there as a Rotary Exchange Student in 2004 – 2005. As soon as possible, the Danfelt-Martins contacted friends Christian Fernandez, a native Chilean and Keri Wolfe, originally from Madison, Wisconsin.
They learned that Fernandez and Wolfe were awakened by the tremors that originated just under 400 miles away. After overcoming their initial fright, they inspected their apartment and surrounding area and determined they were more fortunate than hundreds of others whose homes and communities were devastated by this quake. They told their friends in the United States that the unfolding tragedy inspired them to offer help as best they could with three ideas:
1. Adopt a small simple project in an area
of their expertise: home design and
construction.
2. Seek out a family in need who is being
missed by other relief efforts.
3. Target their efforts on providing a lasting
solution of shelter for this family.
To this end, Fernandez and Wolfe are donating their time to this project and are soliciting donations for materials and some skilled construction labor. Much more detailed information can be found on their blog: www.viviendapasiva. blogspot.com which provides an update on the project’s progress. (Each site is written in Spanish and English.)
For folks on the North Shore who would like to help out, an account, Chile Relief Fund, has been opened at the North Shore Federal Credit Union for donations. By supporting this local grassroots effort, donated funds will be used directly to help a Chilean family replace their home. Local organizer Virginia Danfelt said, “Any and all amounts are greatly appreciated.”
Checks can be made out to Chile Relief Fund and mailed to NSFCU, PO 460, Grand Marais, MN 55605. For more information, contact Virginia Danfelt at (218) 475-2274.
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