Starting this year we have "adopted" another family in need. There is a 16 year old girl living in a wheelchair since birth as she was born with CP. Our fundraising efforts are currently focused on getting her wheelchair replaced and getting physio therapy on a regular basis. She has 2 siblings and 2 caring parents who have trouble meeting the extra expenses to properly care for their daughter. The father works full time but barely makes enough to keep the family fed.
A local Mexican woman, myself and my husband have set up an emergency medical fund to help any local who needs help with transportation or any other related medical expense. She knows a lot of the local people and what their financial status is. We collect receipts for all monies given for the designated expense so we can remain transparent to all the people who donate. Annually, we post a report on the message board and our on FB pages.
Personally, my husband and myself have started a scholarship fund for a girl who is special to my heart, (sister of the boy without a femur). She is 10 and I have known her since she was a baby. Any monies I receive from giving music lessons goes into her fund. (I have made it clear that if she drops out of school or gets pregnant in high school, she will forfeit the scholarship and I will give it to another girl in the community as I believe in the value of education for girls).
I am saying all this because I totally agree with Judith - it is important to get to know the individuals that are in need and find out what their needs are specifically. (It is true that some families have chosen to drive a fancy new truck rather than have a nice house!) Also, it is important to build relationships and trust and a local intermediary is very necessary.
The delagado and the ejido (spelling?) know who is in need in our community. Cruz and other local residents can be a help in identifying who truly needs help.
There are many ways to help those that we come in contact with in addition to the money we spend while visiting here. Maybe our story will inspire others to help a family or elders or disabled and do so with respect and acceptance without judgement. If I can help, please email me or phone (landline) 351-7174 obyrneprice@shaw.ca
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