The Civil Protection Department and the Centre for Missionary Animation (CAM) of the Missionary Society of St Paul have teamed up to send relief to the thousands left homeless following last week’s earthquake in Peru.

The 8.0 magnitude quake rocked the towns of Ica and Pisco in the Ica region south of the capital city, Lima, for two minutes on Wednesday. More than 500 people were killed in the quake.

CPD director Peter Cordina said the two organisations would be collecting tinned foodstuffs, clothing and blankets for the earthquake’s victims on Sunday from 9am. Goods can be dropped off at St Joseph’s Home in Sta Venera, at the Fire Station in Xewkija, Gozo and the Humanitarian Aid Unit in Marsa.

The CPD has already made contact with transport agencies in order to send containers with Malta’s offers. These are planned to leave Malta by the beginning of September and will take about a month to arrive at the Callao in Lima.

CAM director Fr Louis Mallia, MSSP, emphasised the need for warm clothing as currently it was winter in Peru. He also stressed that people should not donate worn out or dirty clothes as the customs authorities in Peru would only allow new clothes.

Fr Mallia said the goods would be distributed by the MSSP’s regional Superior in Peru, Fr Victor Livori, MSSP and the CPD chaplain, Fr Silvio Bezzina, MSSP.

Mr Cordina appealed to the public to donate canned food as other foodstuffs may go bad by the time they reach those in need.

Those who wish to donate money can do so on HSBC account Terremot Peru – 027073477051 or BOV account – Terremot Peru - 4001643334-6.

More information can be obtained by phoning the CPD on 2146-2610 or CAM on 2144-4499.