TOM, a global movement created to pursue solutions for people with disabilities through innovative technologies, held an event at The Columbus School on October 5th, 6th and 7th.

The event was sponsored by SURA, The Alcaldías of Medellín and Envigado and organized by The Columbus School Foundation, The Escuela of Ingeniería and Comité of Reahibilitación.

“They contributed money that we needed for the event. The Alcaldía of Medellin and SURA contributed with 18 million pesos and The Alcaldía of Envigado with 7 million,” Héctor Londoño, TOM Organizer, said.

This income was used to finance the materials used to create the technological pieces. The expensive materials included wood, metal tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, electronic materials and other equipment.

“SURA contributed with sport professionals, risk management, actuaries, doctors, physiotherapists among others. There were 22 people solving the 12 challenges,” Catalina Castaño, SURA representative, said.

SURA provided professionals, and with their allied institution, The Comité of Rehabilitacion, they selected the 12 beneficiaries who were part of the program. The need knowers were granted with the possibility to improve their daily lives thanks to the technological advances provided by the makers.

“The Comité of Rehabilitación was responsible for the commercial area. The department of communication and marketing was in charge of the creation of the commercial packets, contacting possible sponsors, concluding regulations and the appearance of the sponsors throughout the event,” Luisa Giraldo, of Comité of Rehabilitación, said.

TOM relied on sponsors who donated money. Those sponsors got promoted since they appeared on the shirts and had presence throughout the event. The total cost of the event was near 150 million pesos.

“We guaranteed that the organization for TOM was going to be outstanding, we provided adequate spaces and satisfactory food,” Mari Luz Meza, Columbus School Foundation Coordinator, said.

The Columbus School Foundation provided food for the participants. This money was raised from the students and it exceeded 6 million pesos. Feeding the students increased the costs of the event dramatically, it was one of the areas where more money was spent.  

“Chef Burger gaved us 200 burgers and fries for dinner so that is money we don’t have to invest on people’s food,” Londoño said.

Other sponsors were De Lolita, Colanta, Las Caseritas, Los Pinos, among others. Contributions were also given by The Colegio Marymount and CediMed, who donated 1 million pesos each.

“We decided to participate in TOM Colombia because it’s linked with our objectives on biomedical engineering. Contributing through the development of technology health and life quality of people. In addition it’s a program that believes in teenagers talent and teamwork,” Carolina Castaño, Biomedical engineer director, said.