Colombia's wealthiest family donates $48 million for earthquake-hit Cali's hospitals and schools

Colombia's richest family, the Gilinskis, has pledged a significant donation of 150 billion pesos, equivalent to approximately $48 million, to aid in the reconstruction of hospitals and schools in Cali. The city, capital of the Valle del Cauca department, suffered extensive damage from a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia earlier this week.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the donation on Sunday via his X account, stating he had spoken with businessman Jaime Gilinski. Gilinski, who attended the president's inauguration on August 7, communicated the family's decision to direct the funds toward rebuilding the city's damaged educational and health facilities.

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All my gratitude and recognition to the Gilinski family for this extraordinary gesture of solidarity with Colombia.

Official figures from Cali's mayor's office indicate that 46 buildings have completely collapsed, with another 35 experiencing partial collapse. Additionally, 2,391 structures show signs of structural damage, and 534 buildings have been ordered evacuated. The Gilinski family's contribution is expected to provide crucial support for these affected infrastructures.

Jaime Gilinski, 68, a native of Cali, is recognized by Forbes as Colombia's wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of $14.7 billion. He is also the owner of GNB Sudameris bank and chairs the Grupo Nutresa conglomerate, a major food company in Latin America. President De la Espriella expressed his "full gratitude and recognition" to the Gilinski family for their "extraordinary gesture of solidarity."

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In the most difficult moments, the best citizens are known.