Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) is a charity which exists to serve the poor of Quito in Ecuador.
In a ‘normal’ week the Pan de Vida house sees over 400 men, women and children who come for physical and spiritual nourishment. On 16th April 2016 a severe earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, struck the Pacific coastal region of Ecuador. As a result:
- 660 people lost their lives.
- 73,000 people were displaced of whom 33,000 remain homeless.
- 7,000 buildings were destroyed and 560 schools have been damaged.
The earthquake caused massive destruction to the coastal areas and several strong aftershocks. Many hundreds of people now live outdoors in makeshift tents with no protection against mosquitoes or the heat. They have no running water or sanitation and very little food.
Pan de Vida immediately called for emergency supplies and food from their supporters and contacts. Two loads of food, water and other essentials were dispatched during May to the earthquake zone. The costs were met by specific donations. The aid was distributed through Pan de Vida’s contacts with local churches in the area. 692 families have received help and 1319 ’emergency kits’ (food, water, nappies and other baby items) were distributed.
The VISA team from Fulwood will help to distribute another shipment when they visit the area in August. They will join a group of teenagers from Quito with whom they will run a short children’s programme for displaced youngsters.
