Posted by Lisa Fern on November 4, 2015, 11:27 am
189.164.109.32
It is now 12 days after the storm. Everywhere people are cleaning, removing brush, and getting businesses back up and running in preparation for the visitors that have already started arriving. Viva La Manzanilla! is still awaiting the transfer of the bulk of funds from the US and Canada, but in the meantime our team is using donations from friends and family in Mexico, and to date has put roofs on 5 houses which were completely torn off.
Immediately after Hurricane Patricia hit, the message board came alive with offers to help the community. Viva La Manzanilla!, (a small group of local people plus one American, no website!), was formed as a method to collect and put to use the generous donations that were flowing in. With help, we installed 2 PayPal buttons on this board for US and Canadian donations. You can find them in hot pink at the top of the board.
At the same time, an international group, Operation Blessing, got straight to work installing and repairing roofs of homeowners that met their qualifications. You can read Judy and Felipe’s “roof updates” on the message board to find out about the remarkable work they accomplished during their time here in La Manzanilla.
Viva La Manzanilla currently doesn't have a huge amount of money to work with, (about $15,000 use so far), but we have the flexibility to address the needs of individual families, and to network to take advantage of opportunities as they appear. Because the need for shelter is still top priority, Viva La Manzanilla! is continuing to repair and replace roofs. In addition, we have purchased and delivered emergency food to a neighboring community, La Programa, delivered mattresses, clothes and other basic needs, provided lunch for the soldiers working here, and fuel for heavy equipment.
Finally, we will not be using our funds to pay for labor, but instead are asking each family that receives help to then work on the next,( like Habitat for Humanity) This way the money will go further.
We ask that you keep La Manzanilla in mind in the coming days as we dig out, and donate any amount you can. For those arriving who would like to donate in person, or physically help out, please stop by the office of Tenacatita Bay (Ada’s) Monday - Saturday 10-2 and speak to Josefina, or at Estudio Marmaya (Lety and Conrado) to drop off pesos or to volunteer.
Thank you again for your love and support of this special little town!
Lisa , my cell is best till internet is restored 315-108-1606
Viva La Manzanilla!
1202
Message Thread
« Back to index | View thread »