2006 - The second project where "Un Canto A La Vida" and Help-for-Hope joined forces was the construction of the hospital's pediatric consultation area, the first point of contact with the hospital for most children needing health attention in Quito South.

1. The project

With the choice of funding the pediatric consultation area, Help-for-Hope has aimed at directly linking donations with a hospital area of immediate and high impact on children, as well as focusing on a construction project with clear milestones and end product.

The choice has also been guided by the thoroughness of "Un Canto A La Vida"'s business plan for the construction of the area.

2. Help-for-Hope's investment

Total costs for the construction of the pediatric area have amounted to USD 37'500. Help-for-Hope has assumed responsibility for funding the majority share of the construction costs, ie USD 20'000. The remainder USD 17’500 have been funded by the Foundation Tierra Nueva, the hospital's own foundation. Total amount we aimed for (based on past average exchange rates) was CHF 25'000.

3. The results

Fundraising outcome and completion of project: thank you for responding in 2006 so generously to Help-for-Hope's calls for support. Total donations amounted to CHF 23'150. This outstanding result, together with a bridging donation by the founders of CHF 1'850, have brought the necessary funding of CHF 25'000 for completion of the construction. The pediatric consultation area has been inaugurated in December 2006, in the presence of Mrs. Maria Beatriz de Palacio, Ecuador's First Lady, and Mr. Paco Moncayo, the Major of Quito (see articles).

Left: Beginning of construction

Right: Inauguration (December 13, 2006)

Below: more pictures of the pediatric consultation area, now fully operational: the reception area (left) and the corridor through the pediatric area (right)

Below: (left) A first baby-patient being treated... All to the left of the picture, Mercedes Silva, the director of the Hospital. (right) The play area for children staying at the hospital

Below: (left) Its walls painted in happy colors. (right) Two beds, the one close to the window representing an elephant...