María Consuelo Córdoba, who 26 years ago was a victim of an acid attack in Bogotá, held a meeting this Tuesday, September 8, with the Colombian businessman Arturo Calle, who learned about her story and decided to help her so that she can have a home and better conditions to face her daily life.
The meeting took place after Consuelo’s story became known and reached the businessman. After more than two decades of living with the aftermath of the attack, the woman received the news that she could have a place of her own to live and a monthly financial support, donated by Calle.
Before entering the office where Arturo Calle was, Consuelo told Citytv, from Casa Editorial EL TIEMPO, that she was happy and acknowledged that she did not expect to have an opportunity like this.
Very happy. I never thought I would get this far
maría consuelo córdoba Colombian Businesswoman.
During the meeting, Arturo Calle was close to her and explained that, beyond the situation she is going through, they have been able to share moments of conversation and joy.
“With Consuelo we have enjoyed, we have laughed a lot, we have had fun. I tell her that when I am stressed and tired, she should come and visit me,” the businessman told Citytv.
Calle also referred to Consuelo’s story and assured that he does not consider the circumstances she has had to face as a reason to treat her differently.
“But it does not impress me at all. Why? Because it is reasonable sometimes that human beings have these tragedies,” he said.
The help Arturo Calle announced for Consuelo
One of the most important moments of the meeting was when Arturo Calle explained what kind of help he seeks to give Consuelo. The businessman proposed to get her a studio apartment that she can use as a home for the rest of her life.
“We have to find Consuelo a place to live, a decent studio apartment, check with Minuto de Dios if a studio apartment is bought or the Arturo Calle Foundation buys it and that home is given to her so she can have usufruct for the rest of her life until the day she dies,” he explained.
In this way, the proposal contemplates that Consuelo can have a permanent roof.
Added to this help is a monthly financial contribution. Calle explained that his intention is to contribute so that Consuelo can cover her basic needs and have greater stability.
“I will give her a monthly amount, but if there is someone who wants to give her additional support, I repeat, gladly,” he said.
The businessman also invited other people, companies, or organizations who want to contribute to the cause to get in touch with the Arturo Calle Foundation. For this, he indicated the email address presidencia@arturocalle.com
Calle clarified that the intention of this call is not to ask for money for himself, but to seek that Consuelo can have permanent support.
“This is not me asking for money for myself or for Consuelo, but it is a matter of Consuelo being much better permanently,” he said to Citytv.
Arturo Calle shared what motivates him to help
During the conversation, Arturo Calle explained why he decided to get involved in Consuelo’s story and other social causes.
I am the happiest man investing in others
arturo calle
The businessman added that for him helping others represents a personal satisfaction and recalled that his purpose is to share with those going through difficult situations.
“God told me to be generous and I take nothing with me, but what a great satisfaction,” he said.
Consuelo also spoke about what it means for her to help and share with others when possible: “I always say: freely you receive and freely you give. If I receive, I share; always have that heart,” she said.
The woman also highlighted the words she received during the meeting and assured that she wants to move forward without hiding her story.
“Those phrases are very beautiful and to keep moving forward, not to be ashamed or anything, to know where I come from and keep being the same,” she expressed.
Now it is expected that the housing and the monthly help announced by Arturo Calle will be realized. For Consuelo, this support means a new opportunity after 26 years of living with the consequences of the acid attack.
The woman also gave up her intention to undergo euthanasia after receiving help to have new surgeries that will improve her quality of life.
Daniela Gutiérrez Munar
dangut@eltiempo.com
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