Teletón: Final calculation surpasses $22 billion pesos

SANTIAGO.-  Chileans have once again come together to support the Teletón fundraiser. The final calculation concerning the amount of funds raised was released this morning.  The figure reportedly surpassed the event´s original goal (which had been set at more than $13 billion pesos) by 70%.

“Chile deserves to offer itself this gift after 30 years (of the 27-hour event).  We are happy because thanks to the support and effort of the Chilean people, the sponsors and some very significant donations, our children will be able to continue to count on our support for their rehabilitation”, he added.

The vice-president of the institution, Carlos Alberto Délano, stated that the funds will be spent conservatively over the next two years, given the great amount of economic instability as a result of the global financial crisis.

According to figures that have been delivered by the Bank of Chile, 75% of the money donated came from individuals, while 25% was given by private companies.