The fact that more than three million Chileans live below the poverty level is reason enough to consider volunteering while you are in Santiago. Volunteering is also an excellent learning experience. Local volunteer organizations are happy to receive a helping hand. Many international organizations have a very active presence in Santiago.
Participating in the principal expatriate groups is a volunteer experience in itself. These groups often dedicate their activities and funds to helping local charities. See the Social Clubs for Foreigners and Ex-Patriots section for details.
Some international political organizations also have a large following in Chile. Greenpeace, for example, has a more conspicuous presence than it has in the United States. The local branch of Amnesty International is also very active in Chile. This organization participated with the Catholic Church in the campaign that led to the government’s recent death penalty ban.
Addresses
Volunteer Opportunities Hot-line
(2) 205-5656
Casi Nuevo Organization
Second hand clothes shop
Avenida Bilbao 2628
Providencia
(2) 204-0796
Share N' Care
Volunteer and religious organization
Avenida Vitacura 5560, Dpto 62
Vitacura
(2) 243-2786
Contact: Audrey Manning
Salvation Army
Avenida España 46
Santiago Centro
(2) 695-7005, (2) 698-5560
Metro Station República
Un Techo Para Chile
Builds homes for families living in encampments
Hogar de Cristo
www.hogardecristo.cl
Amnesty International
Compañía 2085, 2nd Floor, Office B
Santiago Centro
(2) 695-6502
Fax: (2) 671-2619
Metro Station Santa Ana
Ford Foundation
Ricardo Lyon 806
Providencia
(2) 232-5454
Fax: (2) 204-9385
Metro Station Pedro de Valdivia
www.fordfound.org
Hostelling International
Hernando de Aguirre 201, Of. 602
Providencia
(2) 233-3230
Fax: (2) 233-255
Metro Station Tobalaba
Greenpeace
www.greenpeace.cl
Red Cross Chile
La Concepción 65, Of. 301
Providencia
(2) 777-1448
Fax: (2) 737-0270
Metro Station Pedro de Valdivia