In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in El Salvador, you often find unsung heroes who step up to help vulnerable communities. Michael Waidmann, a U.S. citizen, is one such heroe. He has created an initiative to benefit families living in communities in San Salvador’s vulnerable District 2.
Before the start of the home quarantine, Waidmann was working on the construction of a digital library in the Colonia Satélite Park in San Salvador. This initiative, developed by the MCN Build Foundation, is the result of a Sister City agreement signed by Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt and the Mayor of Washington D.C. Muriel Bowser, in August 2018. Now that the project is on hold, Michael has established a partnership with the U.S. NGO, “Food for the Poor” to donate 1,000 pounds of rice and beans to 1,000 families who need it.
The communities benefiting from this food donation are: Chanmico, Atonal, Mano de Leon Oriente, Monseñor Romero, El Volcan, El Roble, Los Santos, Pasaje Salazar, Gavidia and Maria Campos. The donations are delivered through the authorities of the San Salvador mayor’s office, in coordination with the MCN Build Foundation. Waidmann hopes to continue working on this initiative during the rest of the quarantine, with the support of local organizations.
This is another great example of the bonds of friendship that unite the United States and El Salvador.
