Gregory Santiago, an example of solidarity

At Arcos Dorados, we want to highlight those life stories of our employees that make us so proud and learn from.

In this edition, we will learn about the admirable initiative carried out by Gregory Santiago, a member of the IT Department of Arcos Dorados in Puerto Rico, who has been part of our Company for 22 years.

“I want to cooperate with this situation,” said Gregory, expressing his support for this extraordinary action. In a context in which the whole world is paralyzed due to the health crisis caused by the rapid expansion of the coronavirus, this supportive employee from Puerto Rico shows his solidarity by devoting his time in quarantine to contribute to those who need it the most. This is how what was once a hobby has become an essential source of help in this critical situation.

Thanks to the two 3D printing machines he acquired to manufacture the materials necessary for his daughter´s health care and entertainment, he began to make masks to donate to doctors and nurses. This supply, which is currently lacking worldwide, is essential for treating patients with COVID-19, as it prevents professionals from becoming infected and the virus from spreading further. He plans to produce 20 to 25 masks per day, depending on the speed of the machines and the availability of supplies.

But Gregory is not alone in this mission! He is part of the “Collaborators Makers Against COVID-19” Facebook group. Many people are spending their time in quarantine making masks with their 3D printers, and then donating them to hospitals, security agents and other institutions that require this protection against the virus.

The initiative that Gregory and so many other people around the world carry out, allows us to reflect on the importance and the value of the effort of those who, without expecting anything in return, show solidarity with those who need it the most.

At Arcos Dorados, we want to share this story as a perfect example of our Coolture of Service. We are proud to know that employees of our Company, are committed to meeting the needs in the face of such a critical situation. Only in this way, working together, can great results be achieved and a golden future be built.