Read about what EPES has been up to this year – your donations are what keeps this work going!

As another holiday season and the end of 2014 approaches, Action for Health in the Americas (AHA) is again seeking your support for the amazing work of Educación Popular en Salud (EPES). I am sure that as you read through the EPES Update, it will become apparent how critical EPES’ work has been not only in Chile but across the globe.

As you read about their work in fighting for stronger tobacco control policies or supporting community rebuilding in Valparaíso, you also may notice that EPES has been fortunate to have the support of larger organizations – such as the ELCA Global Mission, the ACT Alliance and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. What you may not realize is how indispensable the donations that you make through AHA are to the overall sustainability of all EPES’ programs. While the support of these large funders is crucial, the funds are designated to specific projects. The undesignated general funds are essential to maintaining the core work EPES has done for 32 years to support the dignity and empowerment of women and families in Chile’s poorest communities, by training and working with health promoters. Your support is what keeps this work going.

Since AHA was founded almost a decade ago, we’ve annually supported a significant portion of EPES’ operating budget. For 2014, we have a goal of raising at least $100,000 to support EPES – and while your support throughout the year has brought us close to our goal, we still have $35,000 to go.

I and the rest of the AHA board have faith that we can meet this goal by December 31^st! A generous board member has agreed to match up to $10,000 for donations received from now until the end of the year, and in our experience, supporters like you recognize how much your donation makes a difference in keeping EPES going, and consistently and generously give your support. We also hope you’ll consider giving the “gift of EPES” this holiday season – make a donation in a loved one’s name and we will gladly send them a holiday card on your behalf.

As always – thank you, thank you, thank you and gracias, gracias, gracias! On behalf of all of us at AHA and EPES, I wish you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year.

Christina Mills MD FRCPC
President, Action for Health in the Americas