The Fruit Exporters Association of Chile reports contribution for fire relief

The Board of Directors of the Fruit Exporters Association of Chile (ASOEX) has joined forces with the Fundacion Desafio Levantemos Chile in relief efforts connected to recent fires that impacted thousands of people in Chile. The organizations will work together to rebuild houses and support infrastructure (schools, police, firemen, etc.) in areas of greatest need following the fires.

During a recent Board meeting, ASOEX confirmed a financial contribution of three pesos per box exported during the 2015-16 season, for an estimated total of US$600,000. Ronald Bown, Chairman of the Board, states, “Our industry saw a great need to reach out and support our fellow Chileans in the aftermath of the fires. Although much more is needed, we hope that our contribution will provide some assistance with relief efforts.”

The regions most affected by the fires are Maule, Bío Bío, O’Higgins, Metropolitana, Araucanía and Valparaiso, with a total impacted acreage of around 600,000 hectares. According to information provided by the National Forestry Corporation, of the 44 forest fires that had been active nationally, 38 are under control, 3 are still burning and 3 have been extinguished. Impact on the fresh fruit industry was less than other sectors. The most badly affected case in our industry was the destruction of a fruit packing house in the town of Chepica.

ASOEX has opened an account specifically for fire relief donations. For more information on how to make a US Dollar donation, please see below for details.

Account in USD
Name: Fundación imagina, pequenos negocios grandes emprendedores
Bank: Banco de Chile
Branch: Central
Address: Ahumada No.251, Santiago, Chile.
SWIFT Code: BCHICLRM
Beneficiary account: 05-000-98027-01

For more information:
Mr. Edmundo Araya
ASOEX
earaya@asoex.cl