LETS GIVE THEM THE DIGNITY THEY DESERVE

Geofir (85) arrived on a very rainy night at the Josse Van Der Rest Shelter of the Hogar de Cristo, located in the heart of Chuchunco, Estación Central neighborhood. Someone found him on the street and left him in the place that, without knowing it, would become his small field for nine years. It was May 2015 and little was known about his life. He didn't tell much either. After a long recovery, he proudly developed his great passion: working the land.

He watered the plants, pruned bushes and took care of a prolific vegetable garden, in which tomatoes, chili, basil or lemons sprouted every season. "Geofir looked small, but he was very active, that kept him up until the end," says Patricio Lincolao, social worker at the Shelter. It was normal to find him perched in the trees, pruning or harvesting.

He was a man who stood out for not staying still and always supported the activities of the Home. When his kidney disease was discovered, he was never the same. He passed away a few days ago and was given a farewell in the same house that saw him reborn with its flowers and plants. In addition to his colleagues, workers and volunteers, José Francisco Yuraszeck, S.J., general chaplain of Hogar de Cristo, was present and officiated at the funeral. “His life lives on in this well-kept garden. We hope he is resting in peace,” he said.

Thank you so much for supporting people like Geofir and so many other homeless people! They can lead a dignified life thanks to caring people like you.

This Christmas, you can continue to help people in extreme poverty. We invite you to give a Christmas dinner to an elderly person in poverty, here 

Links:

• Farewell, Geofir: Gardener of thousand stories