One of Airline Ambassadors most amazing projects is the Zaragosa Home for Abandoned Elders.
Suzy Gonzalez had originally shared the project with Nancy Rivard last year, and we have mobized Lisselot Troconis of Gente Ayudando Gente to provide food and supplies, a new refrigerator, freezer and more, Helga Flores of Siman Foundation provided new TV’s a karaoke machine and more. Yamille Bukele provided an incredible birthday celebration with balloons and cakes, Samantha Bukele provided pupusas for all that were gratefully received. Many thanks also to Olga de Bukele, Alejandro Fernandez, Rhawney Zubko, Juan de Anchorena and 10 wonderful 7th graders from the Mayan School who helped us serve, and wrote of bios on the elders, providing a hand of friendship. Generous AAI donors provided a special meal and needed repairs to the home
We wanted to give a party to thank so many donors and we had a fun “Taqueria” party in San Salvador in July 27, 2023. All were invited to visit the Home as well We were honored to have David Trejo, former Minister of Culture join us as well as Olga Bukele, and two of her sons and many more!
Summary
Hogar Giuseppe Angelucci in Zaragosa, El Salvador is a home for abandoned older people – those who have been left on the streets and have no family. The facility has 30 beds, but police drop off people regularly and now there are 47 people! Dilapidated couches line the main room, regular cleaning is needed as well as a new refrigerator, freezer, fans, pans, bedding and a few TV’s. Residents are provided with two meals a day and a medical team comes regularly, but this home is in dire need.
Challenge
El Salvador has no governement assistance program for abandoned elders. Although this facility has officially 30 beds, police continue to bring abandoned old people to the facility and it is not equipped to house them. If not for the efforts of the ACDE, Airline Ambassadors, Gente Ayudando Gente and the Siman Foundation many improvements would not have taken place. This is a poulation that has no one there for them. Many have senile dementia, amputations and most suffer from lonliness.
Solution
Donating to this cause will help with the immdiate need of providing basic necessities for the residents including wheelcairs, bedding, fans and kitchen equipment etc. In addition Suzy Gonzalez of the Colegio Maya in El Salvador identified ten 7th graders who interviewed each of the 55 elders and created a bio on each one. They committed to returning at least once a month which also helps the elders feel cared for and definately impacting the young people by bringing love into action.
Long-Term Impact
This project will have the long term impact of improving the lives of the elders and the Giuseppe Angelucci Nursing Home facility, by providing needed items from hygeine, food, clothing, wheelchairs, fans and more, However it will also impact the elders, staff and volunteers themselves. In a place where no one comes to visit this can be a lifeline. By providing this volunteer opportunty to brighten lives of the most vulnerable we also impact our own lives. All are welcome to join us monthly. See more pictures below
