The fires in Viña del Mar, Quilpué, etc have over 100 people dead and many more are still missing and presumed dead. Thousands more lost their homes and survived with no more than the clothes on their back. One of the affected people was my friend from my soccer community here in Valparaíso, Miguel Alejandro, or "Pichom," as we call him. Pichom lost everything in the fires, despite his desperate attempts to create firebreaks and wet everything on his property as he saw the flames encroach. Pichom has a huge heart and we really hope he can build back his home soon.

75% of what is raised will go directly to Pichom. The rest will go to community efforts (feeding volunteers, buying supplies, veterinary treatments and food) and other people who lost their homes.

A little bit about our friend Pichom--he's an avid soccer player, he kept chickens and had other animals, all of whom he lost in the fire. He grew vegetables and herbs and had invested a lot of time into his property. He was devastated by this event and has been working since the day after the fire took his home. Volunteers from our soccer community have been going up to his property in Villa Hermosa to help pull out the rubble. They have already build a small room and storage area for building materials and tools. Pichom has a long road ahead to rebuild, and this fundraiser will help him get there!

Community efforts abound: "ollas comunes" (community kitchens) are feeding volunteers and the people affected by the fires, while other volunteers clean up properties, begin to rebuild, take care of animals, collect, sort, and distribute and clothes, personal hygiene products, non perishable food, and anything else that people need. I will be distributing 25% of the amount raised in this fundraiser to these community efforts and directly to other people who have lost their homes.

Please donate what you can, and if not please share with anyone who might be interested. Thanks!

Info about me: my name is Martha Rigby and I am from the United States and have lived in Valparaíso for 10 years. 75% of the money will go straight to Pichom's bank account and I will distribute the other 25% to community efforts and other people how have lost their homes. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and thanks!