Global Health, Local Joy: How FIMRC Celebrated December With Children and Communities

December is a season of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. For FIMRC, it is also a time to reaffirm what global health truly means–showing up for children and families not only through clinics and programs, but through moments of joy, connection, and care. 

During the 2025 holiday season, FIMRC teams across Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica came together to celebrate Christmas with the communities we serve.

Each celebration reflected local traditions while creating safe, joyful spaces where children could feel seen, valued, and hopeful for the year ahead. These gatherings were more than holiday events. They were reminders that community health includes emotional wellbeing, belonging, and hope.

Ecuador: A Celebration of Joy and New Beginnings

In Ecuador, the FIMRC team organized a Christmas celebration for nearly 100 children beneficiaries, creating a day filled with music, games, and holiday treats. 

Beyond the festivities, children were encouraged to reflect on their dreams and set personal goals for 2026. Through guided activities, the celebration became a space for empowerment–helping children envision their futures with confidence and optimism. 

The celebration was filled with laughter, creativity, and optimism, guided by the dedication of the local FIMRC staff. For many children, this was not only a festive moment, it was a moment of encouragement, affirmation, and possibility.

Costa Rica: Community, Partnership, and Shared Holiday Spirit

In Costa Rica, the Christmas celebration brought together more than 100 children from 72 families, joined by 12 international volunteers from the United States. The event was made even more meaningful through collaboration with the Universidad San Judas Tadeo and employees from partner companies who volunteered their time and energy.

Families, volunteers, students, and partners celebrated side by side, demonstrating the strength of community-driven global health initiatives and cross-cultural collaboration. The result was a warm, inclusive environment where joy, service, and partnership came together in meaningful ways. 

Peru: Christmas, Health, and Community Care

In Peru, FIMRC hosted two Christmas celebrations for children in the Junín–Huancayo region, reaching over 100 children in total. The festivities included traditional Peruvian holiday elements such as chocolatada, panetón, children’s parties, and the presentation of certificates recognizing the completion of the 2025 school year.

In partnership with a national social program, these celebrations also included a free community health campaign for parents, reinforcing our holistic approach to community well-being. One international volunteer from the United States participated in the activities, embracing the Peruvian Christmas spirit and supporting the children throughout the celebration.

More Than a Celebration: Why These Moments Matter

Across all three sites, celebrations were thoughtfully organized by FIMRC teams to include: 

• Healthy snacks
• Educational moments
• Cultural traditions
• Festive activities like piñatas.

These gatherings created space for affection, reconciliation, gratitude, and hope; especially important for children and families facing vulnerability. They reminded us that global health is not only about treatment and prevention. It’s about human connection, dignity, and showing up consistently for communities.

Looking Ahead: Be Part of What’s Next

As we step into 2026, FIMRC remains committed to creating these meaningful moments year-round, through clinics, community programs, and global health initiatives. 

Through Global Health Volunteer Program (GHVP), you can: 

• Contribute to community health programs
• Support children and families
• Engage in cultural exchange
• Be part of sustainable global health efforts in Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Uganda

If you’re looking to make a difference while celebrating life, service, and connection, we invite you to join us in the year ahead.

Click here to learn more about volunteering abroad with FIMRC.