SiGMA Foundation launches first Camino Inglés to fund hospital expansion in Peru

Jessie September 17, 2024

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SiGMA Foundation launches first Camino Inglés to fund hospital expansion in Peru

The SiGMA Foundation is embarking on yet another Camino de Santiago expedition, this time marking the first edition of the Inglés Route. This inland and coastal journey will see 23 dedicated participants who have been tirelessly preparing, not only for the physical challenge ahead but also for raising funds for the SiGMA Foundation’s latest project.

The project in question is the expansion of a hospital in the Amazonian region of Peru. The Foundation has partnered with Fr. Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest and practicing doctor, who has spent over 20 years providing critical healthcare to the poorest indigenous communities.

This vital facility currently treats patients suffering from a range of serious conditions, including AIDS, cancer, renal disease, and provides psychotherapy. It serves approximately 40 patients daily, with an average of 20 being hospitalized at any given time, often for extended periods, all free of charge. However, the hospital is in urgent need of more patient rooms and an improved water system to meet its growing demands.

The new project aims to address these needs by funding the construction of six additional patient rooms, a new water reservoir system, a meeting room, and a green area for patients to enjoy fresh air and outdoor space—something the hospital currently lacks. The project is set to be completed by April next year.

The Camino Inglés is the first adventure expedition dedicated to supporting this cause. Over the course of 100 km in 5 days, the team will traverse Spain’s scenic coastal route. While facing long days and physical challenges, participants will also forge lasting friendships and create lifelong memories.

One participant, Ambrose Licari, now undertaking his third Camino de Santiago challenge with the SiGMA Foundation, shared his first camino experience in 2020,

“It is not just about doing the camino, there’s a significance behind it, not just walking from A to B. It’s about meeting people from different social classes and cultures which was extremely, extremely mind-blowing and interesting, apart from the fact that we made loads of friends locally and overseas.”

Get involved with the SiGMA Foundation

The SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 and is the philanthropic arm of SiGMA Group with a mission to empower underserved individuals and communities around the world through fundraising activities, charity work, education programmes, and skills training. Find out more here.