• See comments on this article for an update – August 31, 2007

We have looked at many possible ways to get donations of all sizes directly to Fr. Alfonso Berrade, CM, in Pisco, a city that was 85% destroyed in the earthquake that shook Peru August 15th.

One of the more reliable methods we found is being provided by Joan Mahon, a social worker in Bradenton, Florida, who has strong ties to Peru and Fr. Alfonso. (Please see her letter entitled “Plea for the Vincentian Family in Peru”.)

Joan is accepting donations on behalf of Fr. Alfonso, depositing them in an “Earthquake Relief” account, and wiring proceeds directly to AIC’s “Asociacion de Caridades Vicentinas” (Ladies of Charity) in Lima, which transports food, blankets, stoves and any items requested by him.

One-hundred percent of donations go directly to Fr. Alfonso’s emergency work with his parishioners, as Joan and her husband are covering electronic transfer fees and incidental costs to acknowledge contributions. In addition, Joan provides a weekly update by email to those who are interested (joanmahon@tampabay.rr.com) .

If you’d like to make a donation to Fr. Alfonso and his surviving Pisco parishioners, you can make your check out to Joan Mahon: Peru Earthquake Relief, and mail it to her at 13405 Montclair Pl, Bradenton, FL 34202.

She writes…

“If you prefer to send donations directly to AIC’s Asociacion de Caridades San Vicente in Lima, you may do so by electronic transfer to the Association’s name, Banco de Credito del Peru, Account No. 194-10262517-1-78, SWIFT CODE BCPLPEPL. Keep in mind that transfer fees vary from bank to bank. Bank of America is charging $45 per electronic transfer; there is also a bit of red tape at the receiving end to have fees of up to $45 per draft waived in Peru. Sending checks by mail is not recommended.”