The devastating wildfires that swept through central Chile in early-2017 virtually wiped out the small town of Santa Olga in the Maule region. Around 1,000 homes were burnt down and all 5,000 inhabitants were displaced. Among the public buildings destroyed was the social centre, an important focal point in the life of the community. Reconstruction of the town is now progressing and the social centre is operating in temporary facilities, ahead of the completion of a new permanent building.
The ACS has donated £6,100 from the funds raised from the Fires Appeal to re-equip the centre with items such as chairs, shelves, desk, microwave oven, gas cooker, printer, projection screen and sound equipment.