On 26th February 2010, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile affecting thousands of people. The Art of Living in Chile undertook several initiatives to help victims start life anew, providing material support and conducting trauma relief workshops.

Rehabilitation efforts

A group of 30 volunteers rushed to the Rio Claro immediately after the disaster and teamed up with local government officials and other NGOs to bring relief to the victims. Volunteers provided on-site help including cleaning up of destroyed homes, providing food, supplies, and support to the remote areas of Rio Claro. They also conducted workshops for children in the affected area, distributing sweets and food, bringing smiles to the faces of many children.

The Art of Living conducted series of follow-up activities in the region in coming months, including:

• Teaming up with ‘Un Techo para Chile,’ a nonprofit that builds temporary houses, to conduct trauma relief workshops while temporary homes are being built for the victims
• Train more instructors in the region to teach trauma relief workshops
• Conduct more trauma relief workshops