Community Canvas Unveiled
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The brushes were dipped, the laughter echoed, and the spirit of giving painted every corner—on December 23rd, 30 people from the community came together for a painting work party at the John Gullo Home for Children in El Cardonal.
These kind-hearted souls were transforming the space into a welcoming refuge for children from all corners of Baja California Sur. It was more than a workday; it was a collective effort to make this new home radiate warmth and love.
We were honored to have John Gullo himself wielding a paintbrush, leaving his mark on the very home that bears his name. His dedication and hands-on involvement added a special touch to the day.
But there’s more painting to do! If you would like to be part of the next painting work party, or want to explore other volunteering opportunites, reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Shelley Aibner, at shelley@leaders2give.org to express your interest in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined the painting work party—your enthusiasm and hard work are the brushstrokes that bring our shared vision to life. Together, we are creating a home filled with hope and happiness for the children of Baja California Sur.
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PARTNER UPDATES
Líderes Para Dar / John Gullo Home for Children
Exciting news from the John Gullo Home for Children! Thanks to your incredible support, we've successfully raised the funds needed to complete the construction of the home (pending all pledges). This is a significant milestone, and we're immensely grateful for each contribution that brought us here.
As we near the final stages, our focus shifts to securing the finishing touches that will make the home a haven for the children. This includes furnishing the space, enhancing the landscaping, and preparing for the ongoing cost of operations.
Your continued support is invaluable as we work towards creating a nurturing environment for the children who will temporarily be calling this place home. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
New Creation Kids (NCK) Children’s Home
Leaders2Give was recently alerted to bug and rodent infestations at New Creation Kids children’s home, prompting swift action. We reached out to Troy Schuster, owner and operator of G & T Pest Control, and he graciously offered to donate his time to address the issue. In a collaborative effort, Leaders2Give covered the cost of materials, ensuring a comprehensive solution to the pest problem.
Troy's dedication and the community's collective support have resulted in substantial improvements to the living conditions at New Creation Kids. This collaborative spirit exemplifies the positive change we can achieve when individuals and organizations come together for a common cause.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Troy for his generosity and to the entire community for rallying behind New Creation Kids. Your support plays a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for these children.
The East Cape Health Center
In addition to providing first-class medical and dental services, did you know that one of the East Cape Health Center’s primary missions is to help the less fortunate in the local community obtain necessary social services? As a result of the clinic’s commitment, many lives have been improved dramatically.
One such recipient of the clinic’s effort to help those in need is Miranda, a two-year-old, who recently suffered a non-fatal drowning.
Miranda is one of four children being raised in the nearby town of Los Planes. Miranda’s father worked as a property manager where he and the family were provided housing. The property contained a pool and jacuzzi. A few months ago, Miranda’s mother noticed that Miranda was missing. Upon searching, she discovered Miranda being pulled from the pool by her older brother. Because Miranda was not breathing, resuscitation efforts were undertaken, and Miranda was eventually transported by car to a hospital in La Paz where she was admitted. After nearly two months in the hospital, she was discharged with a diagnosis of tracheostomy, gastrostomy, moderate brain disfunction, and mild epileptic activity.
The clinic is supplementing Miranda’s care with medical and other supplies that the clinic’s founder brought back from the United States. The clinic is also working to obtain appropriate care and counseling for Miranda’s father who is suffering from PTSD as a result of the accident. The clinic is committed to providing Miranda and her family with the long-term care and services they will require.
Another recipient of the clinic’s commitment to helping those in need is Leonardo, who is partially blind. In addition to helping secure critical ophthalmic care, the clinic has hired Leonardo’s mother onto its day-time cleaning crew, so she was able to quit her position working nights at a local grocery store. It is these additional efforts to help families in their times of crisis that the clinic undertakes on behalf of its patients.
Going the extra mile to care for a patient’s entire family is part of the East Cape Health Center’s mission and core values. If you share those values, please consider supporting this extraordinary community asset with a donation today.
Feeding The Hungry
Record numbers turned out to vote for Feeding the Hungry at the Signathon event at the end of November which once again showcased a dozen of the Los Barriles charities. For the second year in a row Feeding the Hungry was voted the people’s favorite charity!
This must be very gratifying for Ben and Harriet Purkey who have led this effort to care for the most vulnerable in our community.
Record numbers of ATV riders also turned out to take part in the Community ATV Fun Ride. Around 250 people drove through the backcountry to enjoy a day out on their ATVs and to test their knowledge of ‘Classic Movies’ at eighteen stops along the way.
Traditionally Feeding the Hungry has always worked quietly in the background. it is encouraging to know that, even with keeping a low profile, many people support this work to assist and care for the least fortunate among us.
Click on any of the donate buttons on this page to see all the ways you can be part of this support. If donating by credit card or PayPal, be sure to choose “Feeding the Hungry” from the drop down menu.
SNAP - Spay, Neuter, and Prevention
It's been a year of growth, learning, and community support for SNAP Los Barriles that has truly made a difference.
In 2023, SNAP Los Barriles marked a significant milestone as it brought back in-person clinics after a challenging 3-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SNAP managed to perform over 1,500 surgeries – a remarkable 25% increase from the previous year! Mark your calendars because SNAP Los Barriles will kick off “Spay and Neuter Awareness” month with a community clinic on February 4, 2024.
SNAP believes in empowering the next generation. SNAP was excited to be invited to partner with the DIF in Los Barriles with the return of Cursa de Verano camp this summer, where 100 school-aged children attended informative classes about responsible pet ownership. Additionally, 16 teenagers had the opportunity to participate in mentorship programs, gaining valuable insights and skills for the future.
SNAP isn’t just about dogs and cats. They are proud of the work they do to support families in need. SNAP proudly provided dog and cat food assistance to countless families, ensuring that beloved pets remain healthy and happy members of the community. They raised awareness about the spread of diseases such as tick fever, especially concerning its potential danger to children. Knowledge is power, and SNAP is dedicated to keeping the community informed and safe.
In a special and exciting collaboration, SNAP's dedicated team of veterinarians had the privilege to share their knowledge and skills with none other than Dr. Oakley, the renowned Yukon Vet. This was a remarkable experience that enriched the team's expertise.
In 2024, SNAP aims to continue the growth of its program, expanding its educational outreach to even more children in the community. The organization's vision includes identifying and nurturing future leaders who will carry the torch of compassion and responsibility for animals.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of SNAP. Your dedication to SNAP and their shared goals has made a meaningful impact on the lives of countless animals and families in Los Barriles.
As SNAP enters the new year, help them carry forward the spirit of compassion, education, and community that defines SNAP Los Barriles. Your support can make a difference in the lives of animals and people alike.
On behalf of SNAP Los Barriles, they would like us to wish their supporters a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024.
To Donate to Leaders2Give and any of our Partners, visit our Donate page.