Donations in Brazil and Argentina Benefit 54 Institutions
Donations in Brazil and Argentina Benefit 54 Institutions
When observing the world and reflecting, even if only for a brief instant, on the current condition of humanity, a question may arise in each person’s mind: if people themselves are the ones who build the world they live in, what would need to change to have less sadness and suffering on the face of the Earth?
Dr. Celso Charuri – founder and conceiver of PRÓ-VIDA – showed us the answer to this question, teaching us that, contrary to common belief, changing the environment will not make people happier. On the contrary, it is by making people happier that they will be able to build a better environment, starting from within.
A more solidary conduct is manifested by a person who, upon finding happiness, feels the desire to reach out and help others. A gesture that, once again this August, could be seen in Brazil and Argentina through the donations made by the Centers for the Tithe PRÓ-VIDA.
Arataba PRÓ-VIDA Club, Brazil
On August 1, the Central Geral do Dízimo PRÓ-VIDA (General Center for the Tithe – PRÓ-VIDA, CGD-PV) and its 26 affiliates in Brazil held another Donation Ceremony at the Arataba PRÓ-VIDA Club. On that day, 32,000 items were donated to 46 institutions in 15 Brazilian states, directly benefiting 13,000 people.
Some of the donated items included furniture, linens, baby supplies, household appliances and housewares; industrial equipment; educational, sports, and recreational items; office and classroom supplies; as well as construction materials for renovations and expansions needed at some service facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the institutions, Claudemir Rubiner, representative of Associação de Serviços Voluntários de Caçador (Association of Volunteer Services of Caçador), thanked CGD-PV and its founder, Dr. Celso Charuri.
Mônica Rebelo de Freitas Moreira, from Instituto de Educação Portal de Pacajus (Educational Institute Portal of Pacajus), put the meaning of that moment into words: “Much more than a material reward, I am leaving here with love, a sense of welcoming, hope, and an even greater desire to do good, because you were able to touch my soul through your genuine example and your capacity to love.”
Representing CGD-PV, Ariovaldo Aprikian echoed this feeling as he began his remarks. “We feel the presence of something divine here today, which only the heart can convey,” he said. He also recalled that the donations are inspired by the example left by Dr. Celso, who carried out the first such action in 1979. An example that still echoes today and guides the steps of PRÓ-VIDA participants.
Coronel Dorrego, Argentina
On August 22, it was the turn of Central del Diezmo PRÓ-VIDA de Argentina – CDA (Center for the Tithe PRÓ-VIDA of Argentina – CDA) to hold its Donation Ceremony in the city of Coronel Dorrego, benefiting eight institutions. It is estimated that this action will benefit approximately 5,000 people.
On that day, four representatives of the institutions took the stage to express their thanks to CDA and Dr. Celso Charuri.
Susana Figaro, one of the representatives, said: “(…) behind a donation, there are people, and those people can see the ones around them and be empathetic, and be committed and have love above all. Therefore, thank you very much for the donation.”
The mayor of Coronel Dorrego, accountant Juan Carlos Chalde, also expressed his feelings: “I believe that a much better world is possible, one that is more just and more solidary. And that depends on what we do, each one of us, in our homes, in our workplaces, in our families, with each of our daily actions. We can do it. Thank you very, very much.”
On behalf of CDA, Guillermo Garcia spoke about happiness. “In eternal delights lives the soul, when it feels that the source of happiness lies within itself. And happiness is always in giving,” he said, referring to Dr. Celso’s teachings, according to which the act of helping others generates hope in those who receive and peace in those who reach out a helping hand.
To learn more about the work of CGD-PV and the other Centers for the Tithe PRÓ-VIDA founded by participants of the Movement, click here.
