News - Mater Corporation

News

30 years of stepping in at just the right time to change the lives of thousands of children

Dr. José Manuel Escala is the founder and president of Corporación Mater. As the organization marks its 30th anniversary, we sat down with him to discuss its origins, its major achievements, and the need to carry this work forward—a conversation in which he also acknowledges and thanks those who have played a vital role along the way.

“Expert minds and caring hands”: this is how highly complex operations are carried out at MATER

For the past four years, Constanza Olivares has been the coordinator of highly complex surgical operations carried out by the MATER Corporation throughout Chile. A nurse and midwife by profession, she speaks of her work with conviction and gratitude: "The Corporation has allowed me to develop not only professionally, but also to provide more care to patients. And that, for me, is tremendously satisfying."

News, Operations

Dr. Virginia Montecinos: "It's just one day, but the impact is enormous."

Anesthesiologist Virginia Montecinos has just completed ten operations as a volunteer at Corporación Mater. This number speaks to her perseverance, but above all, her conviction. We spoke with her to find out what motivated her to join, what she has learned along the way, and why, in her opinion, volunteering not only transforms the lives of children and their families, but also those who participate in it.

Our articles

30 years of stepping in at just the right time to change the lives of thousands of children

Dr. José Manuel Escala is the founder and president of Corporación Mater. As the organization marks its 30th anniversary, we sat down with him to discuss its origins, its major achievements, and the need to carry this work forward—a conversation in which he also acknowledges and thanks those who have played a vital role along the way.

News, Operations

“Expert minds and caring hands”: this is how highly complex operations are carried out at MATER

For the past four years, Constanza Olivares has been the coordinator of highly complex surgical operations carried out by the MATER Corporation throughout Chile. A nurse and midwife by profession, she speaks of her work with conviction and gratitude: "The Corporation has allowed me to develop not only professionally, but also to provide more care to patients. And that, for me, is tremendously satisfying."

Dr. Virginia Montecinos: "It's just one day, but the impact is enormous."

Anesthesiologist Virginia Montecinos has just completed ten operations as a volunteer at Corporación Mater. This number speaks to her perseverance, but above all, her conviction. We spoke with her to find out what motivated her to join, what she has learned along the way, and why, in her opinion, volunteering not only transforms the lives of children and their families, but also those who participate in it.

MATER Corporation launches its first catalog of corporate gifts with a purpose

The catalog, designed by artist Angelito Peñaranda, invites companies to give meaningful gifts that support the health of children awaiting medical care in Chile.

We reduced the wait for surgery for more than 700 children throughout Chile.

We worked hard throughout 2025 to reduce waiting times for children throughout Chile, providing them with adequate, high-quality healthcare.

MATER Corporation awarded scholarships in recognition of volunteers from the Chilean Society of Pediatric Surgery

The work of volunteer doctors is at the heart of Corporación MATER, because it allows us to fulfill our purpose of providing timely, quality healthcare, shortening the wait times for hundreds of children throughout Chile, as well as demonstrating the impact that collaboration can achieve.

We share the experience of Corporación Mater with pediatricians in Ecuador

Recently, Dr. José Manuel Escala participated as an international speaker at the 20th Ecuadorian Congress of Pediatric Surgery, held in the city of Cuenca, where he shared the experience and care model of the MATER Corporation.

Christmas at Mater with Cenco Malls

As is now tradition, during the month of December we celebrate Christmas with the children and families who are staying at our shelter, sharing with the children at the Exequiel González Cortés Hospital.

Clínica Las Condes hosted the III MATER Course: Advances in Pediatric Urology

Chile gathered in two days international and national referents in the treatment of pediatric urological diseases. The III MATER Course: Advances in Pediatric Urology was held on August 29 and 30.

Support our cause

We need your support to finance our work

Navigation

Support our cause

We need your support to finance our work.

Phone

+56 2 25551043

Email

info@corporacionmater.cl

Location

San Ignacio 3637, San Miguel. Santiago

Hours of operation

Monday to Thursday: 8.30 to 17.30 hrs.
Friday: 8.30 to 13.30 hrs.