A major expansion step was taken at the beginning of 2023 with the mobile dental clinic. This was enabled thanks to the generous support of Ivoclar Vivadent, on the occasion of their 100th corporate anniversary.
Fusion between the two Peruvian organizations "Con Corazón" and "Dentist Serving the Poor - Latin America" (DSP-LA) to "Ayudando Con Corazón" Led to new synergies allowing us to have a greater impact.
Dr. Saulo Gamarra reinforces the team with his extensive knowledge in the area of health management. He additionally acts as managing director of "Con Corazón" in Peru.
Foundation of "Dentist Serving the Poor - Latin America" by Dr. Saulo Gamarra (right). Close cooperation with Dr. Michael Willi (left) of the Swiss foundation Secours Dentaire International.
A key milestone was the opening of the Con Corazón Medical Center in Marampaqui at over 4,000 masl. This was possible through the support of the Rotary Club of Aarau, Switzerland.
Start of collaboration between the Swiss fair-trade dealer "El Tucan" and "Con Corazón" to sell the knitted goods produced in Peru in Switzerland and to enable the "Mamas" to earn a regular income.
Start of knitting productions with the "Mamas" for local stores in Cusco and in Switzerland. This enables them to earn a small income to support their families financially.
Danièle Turkier (center) and Ana Rivera (right) get to know each other during a humanitarian emergency in Cusco due to the natural disaster caused by very heavy and long-lasting rainfalls. After their first emergency aid and mission together with Sonia Jimenez (left), founded "Con Corazón."
"I had the opportunity to volunteer at Con Corazón. I worked alongside Dr. Saulo and his team. The clinics provided services performed by qualified staff and volunteers. Although I had no dental background, I was able to assist the dentists with tooth extractions, cleanings, and fillings."
“Saulo and his colleagues were incredibly friendly and generous with their time. We’ve formed friendships that will outlast our stay. Staying in Cusco for a month also gave us the opportunity to really get under the skin of the city, and understand better the Peruvian way of life and traditions.”
"The Andes are my birthplace and I feel deeply connected to this region. To have the opportunity to support the people there in a direct way and without detours is something great. Knowing that donations are going to the right place, to the right people, is what I thank and trust Con Corazón for."
"Con Corazón uses a sustainable model providing subsidized quality dental care to lower income populations. The highlight was being able to work in Marampaqui. These patients have minimal access to dental care, and it was amazing to be able to provide care in such a remote location."
“We felt we wanted to give back! As part of our six-month sabbatical we thought Cusco is the perfect place to pause and give some time helping through Con Corazón. We have been mainly assisting the work of the dental clinic. It’s clear this NGO is having a big positive impact within the region.”
"I support Con Corazón because Danièle's involvement has convinced me, from the beginning, that the help arrives directly, without any detours. What is also fascinating to me is the constant further development and the focus on the long-term perspective. The highlight was the visit in 2019."
"What I remember most about my involvement was working with the people in the remote Andean region, where the organization provides valuable support. The unique insight into the culture and way of life of those people is definitely one of the most beautiful and memorable of my stay."
"Over the years, the Rotary Club of Aarau has been able to generate various projects together with Con Corazón. One of the highlights was certainly the construction of the Medical Center at over 4,000 meters above sea level. The cooperation is always very sustainable, efficient and professional."
"In August 2019 finally I had the opportunity to go to the Andes in South America. There I had finished one month of volunteering at the dental clinic in Cusco, Peru. I really enjoyed helping poor people through making dental cleanings for the patients. What an incredible team to work with!"
"I have been following Con Corazón for years, so a visit to Peru was logical and very precious for me. It was extremely impressive to enter into this unknown world and to capture it photographically. As a professional photographer, I still enjoy the impressive images from the Andean region."
"Wow, what an impressive landscape at over 4,000 m.a.s.l., what a beautiful place in the Andes, what unbelievable warm-hearted people! Immediately there was another wow, there is a lot to do for me in the next four months! Marampaqui became a second home for me".
"'The only thing that can eliminate poverty is to share with each other. ' Mother Teresa's quote points out how important Con Corazón's mission is to fight poverty in the long term and to give people a perspective. I am very grateful that I was able to visit the organization in Peru."
"Volunteering to work alongside Dr. Saulo and his incredible team at Con Corazón has been a highlight in my nursing career. Having the opportunity to serve and provide the people of Marampaqui with free medical & dental services in these remote villages was an absolute rewarding experience. "
"The aim of my sabbatical was not just to travel, but to really get to know a country, its people, its culture and its language. Being a teacher for health education, it was amazing to see how health promotion can be realized in different Con Corazón projects - with a lot of passion and with heart!"
