Posted by Lisa Fern on October 28, 2015, 3:16 pm
189.164.105.249
Thank you to all those outside Mexico offering to help out this special little town after Hurricane Patricia!
Many efforts are already underway (which can be donated to right now as I will explain later in this message), and a flurry of inquires asking how to help are now on the message board. I was asked to act as liaison for the expat community should a substantial amount of cash donations come in.
Today I met with the following folks— Paul Zuniga( local contractor), Lety Hernandez (Estudio Marmaya, architects), Enrique (Lydia’s Market)— and we came up with a draft plan that would use Paul’s bank account, with cooperation from El Pollo Materiales, and documentation by Lety and me), to get help to the people in need. I have also talked with Daniel Hallas, and Chely, local rep for La Huerta. Once things get rolling, we plan on using Facebook, as that is how most folks network here.
Here are our first 2 steps:
1. Get a ballpark estimate of how much money might be donated so an efficient, transparent system could be put in place.
2. Get the word out about Operation Blessing, correct link is ob.org, an international organization that is currently putting on new roofs, and providing access to clean water.
Step 1 - The only way I know to accomplish this to ask everyone reading this wishing to donate cash to let us know the amount they can offer. You can do this privately by email
lisafernp@gmail.com , land line 315-351-5047, or cell 315-108-1606, or by using the white envelope. We will compile everyone’s pledged amount and go from there. Rough estimate is 1,000 families affected, $600 usd needed for each family.
Step 2 - Judy H has posted information here already about Operation Blessing, an international organization here on the ground installing new roofs, and providing access to clean water. Please go to www.ob.org to see how you can donate to this effort. (See post by Judy H “putting new roofs on” but link given there is incorrect)
We are also hoping to coordinate some kind of food relief, and Lydia’s Market has pledged to help. More later on that. I see people are also asking about STUFF they can bring as we are on the verge of tourist season. I personally do not have a list at the moment, but will see how things go after our first effort - money for construction materials, beds, basic needs.!
Thank you for your generosity, and for your love of this beautiful place and its people!
Respectfully,
Lisa Fern Preschel
1476