The 56th Annual Peru Mission Dinner to assist the life-saving ministry of the diocese’s medical missionaries in Chimbote, Peru, has shifted to a virtual event for the second year.
The change from an in-person dinner was made to protect attendees from the risks of COVID-19, according to Dolores Nypaver, diocesan director of Stewardship. It will be held online at 6 p.m. on Thurs. Oct. 7 at www.ChimboteFoundation.org. A recording will be made for donors who wish to view the event later.
Speakers will provide an update on how the Covid-19 pandemic has devastated the country and limited medical services in Chimbote.
Peru has the highest COVID-19 mortality per capita in the world. The government said in May there have been 5,484 deaths per one million inhabitants. Peru has a population of about 33 million people.
Video presentations on Oct. 7 will include accounts from Dominican Sisters Margaret Mary Birchmeier and Lillian Bockheim, who co-founded the Center for Social Works in Chimbote with the late Msgr. Jules Roos in 1966. Bishop David Zubik will offer special remarks.
WTAE-TV’s Mike Clark, a longtime friend of Chimbote, once again will serve as master of ceremonies.
Nypaver said last year’s virtual dinner was a big success, and asks supporters to again consider donating to help during these difficult times.
Ongoing financial support from Chimbote Foundation allowed key medical services to continue to be provided in a new clinic, Posta Medica, serving patients from Chimbote and surrounding areas.
The event is one of the primary means of support for the Center for Social Works, which consists of a maternity hospital, outpatient clinic, clinical laboratory, pharmacy and home for abandoned children. It also sponsors a home-visit program aiding the “poorest of the poor.”
More information can be found at www.ChimboteFoundation.org, by emailing chimbote@diopitt.org or calling 412-456-3085.
