CATIE International Fair raises more than 14 million colones for social institutions in Turrialba

• The event was once again a success, benefiting 10 local organizations that work for the social well-being of the Turrialba community.

The CATIE International Fair (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), held on August 31 and September 1, reaffirmed its success in its 2024 edition by raising a total of ¢14,374,596.13 million colones, which were symbolically presented on October 18 to 13 institutions and associations in Turrialba, the cantón where the Center is located, in Costa Rica.

These organizations were selected for their outstanding social work in the cantón, focusing on vulnerable populations.

Distribution of funds

Among the beneficiary organizations are:

• Asociación Albergues Indígenas (Colombia): ¢1,350,322.10
• Asociación San Isidro Labrador (Paraguay-Bolivia): ¢1,043,090.21
• Asociación Club de Leones (Brasil): ¢1,652,266.17
• Escuela Atirro (Belice): ¢500,000.00
• Asociación Hogar de Ancianos San Buenaventura (Perú): ¢651,323.58
• Asociación Hogar Infantil Turrialba (Costa Rica): ¢2,934,044.43
• Asociación Hogar Salvando al Alcohólico (Honduras): ¢500,000.00
• Asociación Unidas y Unidos por nuestro cantón (Panamá): ¢500,000.00
• Federación de Rafting ARACKARI (Argentina): ¢1,300,000.00
• Asociación Turrialbeña de Voleibol (El Salvador-Nicaragua): ¢677,248.08
• Asociación de Atletismo (República Dominicana): ¢1,048,606.79
• Colegio Omar Salazar Obando (Guatemala): ¢910,387.59
• Escuela de Canadá (Ecuador-México): ¢1,307,307.18

The fair offered a wide range of recreational, sporting, and cultural activities, including competitions and artistic performances, as well as a diverse gastronomic offer with typical regional dishes. However, beyond the fun, the fair demonstrated a clear commitment to Turrialba, with the funds raised being directed toward projects that will have a direct impact on the well-being of many people.

Luis Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE, highlighted the fair's impact: "This event once again demonstrates the power of solidarity and our institution's commitment to social well-being. We are proud to see how collective efforts generate a real impact."

Margarita Alvarado, coordinator of the fair, emphasized the importance of collaboration: "Each year, the CATIE International Fair becomes a space where the community, companies, and organizations come together to make a difference. Thanks to everyone's active participation, we have achieved this important goal."

One of the beneficiaries, Mariela Leandro, President of the Board of Directors of Hogar Infantil Turrialba, expressed her gratitude by stating: "We are very grateful for this opportunity. The people of Turrialba have always been closely connected with the CATIE International Fair, and for us as a Board, the fair's contribution is extremely important. Our children always have many needs, and this event is one of the largest contributions we receive throughout the year."

The funds raised during this edition of the fair will be used to strengthen the educational and social projects of the selected institutions, continuing with their mission to support the most vulnerable populations in the area.