About Us

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​Our Mission
​The mission of Operation Canasta is to help, nurture, and educate Argentina’s neediest children​ by providing financial support to non-profit organizations serving infants and children in crisis. Our target issues include: food security and nutrition, medical care, safe shelter, and education.
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History
​"Hunger in this nation that has more cattle than people is now rampant, especially among the most vulnerable: the very young and the very old” New York Times, March 2, 2003 

Operation Canasta began in 2002 a campaign to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition among the poorest children in Argentina. At the time, the country was ravished by an economic crisis so severe that 70% of its children were living in poverty.  The news stories of the day painted a desperate picture and a group of Argentines resident in the USA and their American friend respondent to the crisis by creating and funding Operation Canasta.
 
Poverty has decreased in recent years in Argentina but considerable segment of the population still lives in conditions of extreme poverty.  But many children are still in the streets and they lack opportunities to develop their minds and the skills needed to function in society. They are exposed to vandalism, drugs and abuse. Operation Canasta has still a long way to go in helping these children. Through the work and projects of local organizations, particularly various centers  “CONIN” nutrition centers,  Operation Canasta provides food, education and health elements,  construction materials and appliances and school scholarships to the poorest and most vulnerable children and adolescents in Argentina.
 
Operation Canasta incorporated under the law of the State of Maryland.  Operation Canasta Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under the rules of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our Work

Since 2002, Operation Canasta supports non-profits organizations that help Argentina’s neediest children through annual grant awards up to $3,500.
 More than 70 NGOs received funds used effectively serving the needs of our target population; children living in conditions of economic deprivation.
 
For more information on how to apply for a grant <click here>

Operation Canasta Committee
President of Operation Canasta: Gonzalo Vicente MD 
Vice-President: Carolina Klein 
Secretary: Orlando Reos
Treasurer: Ana Maria Balfour
Board Members: Guillermo Balfour MD, Gloria Veniard,  Andres Hernandorena,  Ana Rosa Beeck, Enrique and Alejandra Segura, Carlos Picone MD, Marialaura Reos, Susana Agostini.