The Church of Jesus Christ Provides Humanitarian Aid in Mexico to More than 1 Million People in 2023

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico provided humanitarian aid to more than 1 million people in 2023, according to an annual report presented at the multistake center on Temple Square in Mexico City on January 25, 2024.

The report, given by Lilian Guzmán, manager of Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Church of Jesus Christ in Mexico, highlighted the organization’s efforts to help people in need throughout the country. Representatives of more than 40 foundations as well as private and public assistance organizations attended.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, we make a commitment to serve others. We believe that all of God’s children should have access to the services and resources that allow them the basic needs of life, and we are committed to helping,” Guzmán said.

At the event, Elder Ranulfo Cervantes on behalf of the Mexico Area Presidency said, “The true purpose of the Church welfare plan also includes promoting self-sufficiency as a way of life,” explaining that self-sufficiency “encompasses various facets of a balanced life, including academic training, health, employment, food production and storage at home, the family economy, and spiritual strength.”

A Strategic Approach To Comprehensive Aid

The report summarized the efforts of humanitarian aid projects including the following:

Food and water: The Church donated food and water to more than 800,000 people in Mexico in 2023 through various organizations. This includes the distribution of canned foods, rice, beans and other basic products, as well as the delivery of drinking water to rural communities and migrant shelters.

Education: The Church provided study aid to more than 100,000 students. This helped young people continue their education and achieve their academic goals.

Health care: The Church worked with several organizations to provide health care to more than 200,000 people. This included the delivery of medications, donation of specialized equipment, provision of basic medical care and collaboration with clinics and hospitals.

Disasters and emergencies: The Church provided aid to people affected by floods and hurricanes. The Church recently announced the donation of 10,000 boxes of groceries for those affected by Hurricane Otis in Acapulco.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve others,” Guzmán reiterated. “We believe that humanitarian aid is an expression of our love for Jesus Christ and our neighbors.”

Working Together

“Thanks to the work [the Church does], their generosity and that passion for helping others, we have benefited,” commented Jacqueline Beuchot, director of sustainability at La Fundación de Cáncer de Mama. “Last year we benefited from medical grade monitors to be able to detect and diagnose women with breast cancer in time with high-quality equipment; this impacts the entire country. I am impressed with the humanitarian aid that [the Church provided] throughout the year on important issues. It is clear to me that if we cannot help everyone, we can all help someone, and [the Church] does it in an impeccable way and with a passion and an exemplary vocation.”

Ana Leyva, management and social investment manager of the Mexican Food Bank, said that the Church has been “a great ally for food security. They have joined different projects in different states … and we also want to continue strengthening the work that food banks do in the country, continue strengthening the infrastructure. If we have reliable food banks, we will be able to reach more communities with more food,” she noted.

“I’m shocked. It is an incredibly organized structure and I loved knowing that they donate fast offerings all over the world to help those most in need. I loved learning about all the projects they are involved in. I think we are definitely on the same channel: Only by looking at those most in need and joining efforts can we have a better world,” said Clara Poumián from Asociación Gilberto.

Light the World Giving Machines

The Church of Jesus Christ in Mexico successfully concluded the fundraising initiative for humanitarian aid organizations through the Light the World Giving Machines. These giving-focused vending machines have 1,200 unique items available to be purchased and then donated to individuals in need.

More than 2,400 donations were received through the Giving Machines. The machines were set up in Mexico City, Puebla, Tula, Pachuca and Cuernavaca during the holiday season. The associations that received the donations were Un Kilo de Ayuda, Asociación Pro Personas con Parálisis Cerebral, Save the Children, Construyendo Esperanza and the Red de Bancos de Alimentos de México.