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Over the past 12 months, a total of 884 patients have been served by the Teleton Institute of Iquique. Last year this regional center celebrated 26 years rehabilitating children and adolescents in Tarapacá. To honor its commitment to inclusion and comprehensive rehabilitation, SQM recently signed a mutual collaboration agreement with the institution. The objective of this agreement is to secure ongoing involvement from the company’s corporate volunteers to accompany, improve and engage in recreational activities with patients in the region.

The signing of the agreement was led by Teleton’s Executive Vice President, Ademir Domic, and the Director of Communities and Public Affairs for SQM’s Nitrates and Iodine businesses, Pablo Pisani, who were accompanied by Julio Volenski, Director of the Teleton Institute of Iquique, a team of permanent volunteers from the rehabilitation center and a group of SQM volunteers.

“What we do at Teleton is thanks to the community, to the organizations and private companies that are committed to us. In the last fundraising campaign, SQM made a very significant donation of resources that allow us to continue our work with more than 32 thousand children and young people throughout the country. Today this contribution is being complemented with a commitment from its workers to volunteer, which will involve them in our work and continue to build a fairer and more inclusive society for all,” said Ademir Domic, Executive Vice President of Teleton, during the activity.

Pablo Pisani, the Director of Communities and Public Affairs for SQM’s Nitrates and Iodine businesses, said: “As a company we are very happy with this agreement, which means a lot to us, because it not only puts into practice our company’s emphasis on inclusion and diversity, but also motivates us to support the community. Our corporate volunteers will be very involved in interesting initiatives, not only from the institute, but also in patients’ homes to create friendlier spaces for people in rehabilitation.”

At the event, representatives from both entities toured the Iquique facility, specifically the physical therapy areas, the orthotics and prosthetics production workshop and the hydrotherapy pool. In addition, they shared with a group of enterprising mothers that take care of children with disabilities, who are constantly carrying out initiatives with volunteers and the institution’s local team.

“This agreement is very important to developing joint entrepreneurship initiatives, strengthening sports, art and various social projects, where the link between Teleton and the community enables hundreds of children and young people in the region to develop and make their dreams come true,” said Julio Volenski, director of the Teleton Institute of Iquique, during the tour.

In this same context, Helene Alvear, head of Social Management and Local Volunteering, explained that “in the city we have 63 permanent volunteers between 18 and 67 years of age. In addition, we manage community programs that support patient rehabilitation, such as the Teleton Summer. This initiative brings together 40 patients, 40 volunteers and a staff of 20 permanent employees to provide recreational spaces throughout the summer.”

Finally, Natalia Galindo, mother of Valentina, a Teleton patient since 2016 in Iquique, expressed her gratitude for the institution’s professionals and volunteers, adding that “it has been a very beautiful experience, where we have been discovering my daughter’s talents. As a mother, one always appreciates work that is done with love, but this has a more artistic and professional perspective. Here at Teleton we discovered my daughter’s artistic sensibilities, and all this time we have worked and participated in every opportunity that the institution has given us. Volunteers are fundamental to Teleton’s operations; they came to our house to help us with technical aids, and we are very grateful for everything they do.”