Dundas Valley Sunrise News

Is it the truth?  Even in relatively developed countries like Chile (and Canada, too) there are places where the social and economic fabric that we enjoy here is relatively unknown.  Aldo has identified such an area in Arica, in the northern part of Chile, in the Atacama Desert.  In his youth – in Chile, his dad, a farmer, used to take Aldo and his brothers to an orphanage to give out surplus produce … that quality has been passed down to Aldo. But Chile has not been his only area of concern…he has also raised funds for local organizations like City Kidz and Jumpstart.

 

Is it fair to all concerned?  Rotary is about leveling the playing field for people around the world. Aldo helped in this regard by gathering together bicycles to be sent to an orphanage in Arica (along with helmets and locks).  He advertised locally, received bicycles in his Canadian Tire Store here in Dundas, repaired them and then shipped them off to Arica in a container.

 

Will it build good will and better friendships?  Aldo comes from a Rotary family.  His uncle is a Past District Governor in District 4320, a district that covers the area from the northern border of Chile to Casablanca. His efforts in his second shipment to Chile included materials required in the local hospitals in Arica … wheelchairs, hospital-style beds, crutches …. What better way to maintain and enhance his family’s connections with his home country of Chile and to make better friendships between our two countries. With absolutely no desire for publicity … or to be recognized in any manner, Aldo has quietly and effectively helped to create links between Dundas and Arica. It is these kinds of links that can lead to a better understanding of the needs of all people and promote world peace. 

 

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?  It takes a special person to see beyond our own needs and our own borders to identify a specific project that can have benefits to all.  The people who donated bicycles and hospital gear were able to effectively recycle useful materials.  The recipients in Arica were obviously thankful for the contributions made.  And, let’s not forget that someone in the middle…with no fanfare, arranged for the transportation of these goods. As he said in an interview once, “Canadian Tire and Dundas – and Canada in general – have been very good to my family … the very least we can do is something as simple as this."