How You Can Help
Written by: Colin Maruk – previously posted on Colin’s Facebook page
It has been a very unique time here in Bucerias, Mexico. I have lived here almost 12 years and I have never seen the streets so empty.
Life goes on in a different form for most of us. Stuck at home and maybe a little bored, you live with an essential worker (or are one) and worry about the health and safety of your family, or not working and worried about your future. It is a difficult time for many.
The vast majority of our neighbours here are unprepared for this health pandemic and the crushing financial blow it has dealt to the community. The almost complete collapse of the tourist industry which they rely on and the uncertainty in the future have left many people in a precarious situation.
As in any emergency, the goodness of humanity tends to shine through and that is certainly true here. There are a number of different organizations helping people here by providing food hampers or hot meals. The challenge that most of these groups face is the ongoing financial support that is needed now and in the future as this crisis unfolds. An ongoing donation of even $25 dollars per month can make a huge difference here in our community, providing hampers and meals to a family. Of course, if you can give more that would be great but ongoing support is what is needed for the long term.
I have been privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to help out a few of these organizations over the last month and I am always struck by the same thought. How can we live in such a prosperous area and yet have so many people who struggle to meet the daily basics of food and shelter? Delivering hampers and helping to dish out food reminds me of how very fortunate that I am in life and that many of us that live or visit here are as well.
Organizations
Here is a list of amazing organizations that very much need your ongoing support. These organizations are working together to co-ordinate their activites so no one falls between the cracks. If I miss one, I truly apologize for the oversight.
The John Ozzello Food Bank and Humanitarian Aid
The John Ozzello Food Bank and Humanitarian Aid organization has provided aid and hampers to the area for many years and continues to be there in an even bigger role during this crisis. Donations can be made via: http://amigosdebucerias.org Please click on the donation icon and select the special needs fund button (add a note saying “Food Bank”)
The Bucerias Migrant School
Nancy Pol from the Amigos of Bucerias Migrant School has been collecting funds to purchase, package and deliver 75 weekly food hampers for the families of the children from the school. You can donate to her through an e-transfer to nancypol177@outlook.com or through the Amigos de Bucerias website using the donate button and selecting the Migrant School. http://amigosdebucerias.org
Solo Con Voluntad Despensas Nayarit
Solo Con Voluntad Despensas Nayarit is an amazing organization that is feeding hundreds (if not thousands of people!) each week around the bay. Their Facebook page is Solo Con Voluntad Despensas Nayarit. Please visit their page to see the difference they are making in the community. Donations to this great organization can be made by: CAD funds – by e-transfer to PayPal to tracypenner77@gmail.com (password Bucerias) USD funds – by PayPal or Zelle to: pce.consultant@gmail.com (Please indicate funds are for SCVN and have an amount ending in .77)
Luna Lounge
Simon and Hugh from Luna Lounge are providing a weekly hot meal each Monday and are serving 300+ people. You can donate to this great work in three ways: 1) Anywhere in the world – You can click on the following link and it will take you to our EzBook donations page: https://www.eztix.co/ezbook/en/580953/2020-09/day_0_02/1601156
2) In Canada – Donations (e-transfers) can be sent to Cindy Guyatt via email. Her address is cindylou1@rogers.com
3) In Mexico – Donations can be deposited into Ban Bajio account: Clabe-030578900018636990
Once donations have been made, please email hugh@lunaloungebucerias.com to confirm the method and the amount of your donation so that we can track the donation and make sure it gets to our food assistance programme. Thanks Simon and Hugh!
Tequila Gardens
Bruce Pigottt from Tequila Gardens is providing daily free hot meals around the area. Bruce is covering the labour costs to make and serve the meals, but monetary donations for food are greatly appreciated. You can donate via e-transfer or PayPal at brucepiggott@shaw.ca Thanks Bruce!
Banderas Bay Golf Carts
Banderas Bay Golf Carts is also busy delivering daily food despensas – over 150 bags this week! Thanks Karen and Grant Swanson! Donations accepted here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/food-for-families-banderas-bayreliefutm_medium+email&utm_source+product&utm_campaign=p_email%2B4803-donation-alert-v5
Also a big thanks to Alan and his staff at Esquina 22 for providing food for lunches, meals for frontline workers and for being a drop off point for donations in the area.
Anyone who is in Bucerias who would like to donate items or food supplies, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to pick them up and get them where they need to go.
Thanks to all of you for your ongoing generosity and commitment to our community during this difficult time. Please stay safe, happy and healthy!
Colin Maruk
