April 2020: Salmon industry creates a health solidarity fund of up to Ch$2 billion to invest in the areas where it operates

Administered by a committee of representatives from contributing companies, the fund seeks to generate direct impact for the communities in southern Chile.

The salmon industry announced creation of a solidarity fund of up to Ch$2 billion to directly help the communities where it operates that are being impacted by COVID-19.

This health investment fund—which began receiving contributions from participating companies today—is part of the Committed to the South program, which the salmon companies created two weeks ago to protect the health of its employees and neighbors during the coronavirus outbreak.

In addition to creating this solidarity fund, the companies, all of whom have ties to salmon farming, have taken significant measures to protect the health of their employees and suppliers. These measures include cutting production capacity by almost half; making work shifts more flexible in order to reduce contact between employees; supporting authorities in strengthening health check points in Chiloé and Aysén; and voluntarily disinfecting public spaces in the communities where they operate.

“The salmon companies are part of southern Chile and have ties to the population. That is why we have been very active in taking preventative measures to combat the coronavirus and protect our employees, suppliers and their families. Now we have created this solidarity fund to help our communities. We expect it to exceed the Ch$1.7 billion we have committed to raise and we hope it will reach Ch$2 billion,” said Arturo Clément, President of SalmonChile.

According to the President of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC) Juan Sutil, the contribution by the salmon companies is very important to the country. “It is tremendously valuable and we are grateful for the contribution that SalmonChile’s members are making to the CPC-backed fund. Thanks to these companies and business people, many at-risk or chronically ill people, senior citizens or children with respiratory problems in Chile’s southern zone will have access to special care and aid for medical supplies, food and all the things they need to be more protected against coronavirus,” he explained.

SalmonChile announced that it had already begun receiving funds and that a special committee had been created to manage and distribute the fund in light of the medical, health, social and economic needs of the different communities where they operate in the La Araucanía, Los Lagos and Aysén regions.

 

Source: Salmoneros de Chile, comprometidos con el sur, April 2020