Alerts Sign-up
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched its first Giving Machine kiosks in South America, with installations in Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. A third location is scheduled to open in São Paulo, Brazil later this month.
The Giving Machines are part of the global Light the World initiative and allow donors to purchase items such as food, clothing, medical supplies, and scholarships for local charities. In Chile, donations support COANIQUEM (which helps children recovering from burns), Fundación Gantz (which treats cleft lip and palate), and Fundación Deportistas por un Sueño (which aids children with severe illnesses). In Argentina, supported organizations include CILSA (focused on disability inclusion), FANDA (helping children with hearing loss), Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, and Amigos en el Camino (supporting people experiencing homelessness).
An opening ceremony was held on November 26 in Santiago. Elder Alan R. Walker of the Church’s South America South Area Presidency said, “These machines are part of the global Light the World initiative, which celebrates Jesus Christ, our Savior, and reminds us of the commandment to love our neighbor. We are not celebrating an advertising campaign, but the Savior and the opportunity to follow His example by giving the best of ourselves to others.”
Cinthia Hurtado, manager at the mall hosting the kiosks in Santiago, stated: “It is truly an honor to welcome this project that transforms an everyday act into a real opportunity to help. We want people to feel inspired and understand that a simple act can completely change someone’s life.” She added gratitude for the Church's collaboration with participating foundations: “We are happy to be part of a chain of generosity that brings together people of all ages and faiths. I invite everyone to come, learn about the initiative, and experience the true meaning of Christmas.”
Cristián Miranda from Deportistas por un Sueño commented on how increased visibility benefits their work: “This campaign not only provides financial support but also visibility. Many of our children face terminal conditions, and we seek to give them dignity, care, and companionship. We are happy to participate in an initiative that invites society to look with empathy for those who need it most.”
Elder Gabriel Campos explained that “the Church covers all operating costs,” ensuring that “donations go directly to the organizations.” He emphasized: “We want to ensure that every contribution translates into real help. Our goal is not to raise money but to offer a personal experience that connects the giver with the receiver.” Elder Walker also remarked: “The language we all understand is love. These donations show that light is stronger than darkness and that goodness is still possible.”
In Buenos Aires on November 30, another launch event introduced Giving Machines at a shopping center where visitors could select contributions ranging from basic needs like food or warm clothing to educational scholarships.
Laura Wierszylo from CILSA noted two decades of partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ: “We feel absolutely blessed, moved and excited. For 20 years, we have walked alongside the Church promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. A small action can create a big impact. In these machines, a scholarship is the opportunity for a student with a disability to enter, stay and graduate from university.”
Gina Romano from FANDA described how donations translate into vital services: “We have worked for 30 years with families who cannot afford hearing aids or the treatments their children need... This initiative opens a path so that, with a small gesture, someone can give a child the chance to hear, speak, and learn. It’s not just coming to the mall — it’s lighting the world with every gesture.”
Alicia Garré from Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital highlighted ongoing support: “The help we receive allows the work of the hospital to improve the health of children throughout the country,” she said. “We feel blessed every time the Church thinks of us and our patients.”
Mónica De Russis from Amigos en el Camino spoke about outreach efforts for those living on Buenos Aires’ streets: “Christmas is a time for love, and love has many forms... This initiative by the Church takes us by the hand and helps us extend another hand to those waiting for someone to look at them...”
At both events church leaders underscored their goals; Elder Leopoldo Zúñiga stated: “We want to be a light and the outstretched hands of the Savior so that help can reach those who need it most. Jesus Christ went about doing good. This initiative is a simple way to follow His example and love our neighbor.”
