Families Are Waiting
[scroll down for Partner updates]
In Canada and the US, this first summer holiday of 2023 feels particularly remarkable given world events, particularly the war in Ukraine.
Today is Independence Day in the US. It’s a national holiday marked by patriotic displays, fireworks, family picnics, baseball, fairs, and political speaches. So, happy 4th of July American friends!
July 1st was Canada Day which is a time to celebrate our national pride while at the same time reflecting on our country's past and the cultural genocide which resulted from the indeginous residential schools.
It’s a time to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Indigenous peoples in our pursuit for truth and reconciliation.
I can’t help but reflect on how fortunate I am to live in a peaceful country and to have the freedom and opportunity to live my best life.
So for me, these holidays are a time to rejoice, reflect, and be proud of both countries which continue to strive to be better…to be places where people can be free to succeed, practice their faith, and be who they are.
I also can’t help but feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to contribute to improving the lives of the most vulnerable among us. For me this isn’t defined by borders, it’s defined by our common humanity.
And let’s face it… while our humanity is in common we don’t all have the same circumstances or opportunities.
In Mexico, for example, over 50% of the population lives in poverty and in many cases that poverty is extreme. Furthermore, the majority of those living with barely their most basic needs being met are women and children.
Illness and disease exacerbates the problem. Breast Cancer and Leukemia are among the leading causes of death for women and children and in the Baja there’s a disproportionate amount of suffering given that Baja also has among the highest tourist spend and concentration of wealth in all of Mexico.
This is one is the reasons that Leaders2Give exists and why we are building a new children’s home on donated land which will help protect vulnerable in Baja California Sur whose families are experiencing a medical crisis.
Look at the progress being made! It’s getting real friends. But we can’t start Phase II of the project until we have raised the necessary funds. To progress to Phase II, which will bring us to completion, we require an additional $200,000 USD.
To help make a difference in the lives of the families waiting for this home, please click the button below and choose “John Gullo Home For Vulnerable Children” from the menu. Every bit counts!
JJJ
Now for even more inspiration, please read all of our partner updates below:
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PARTNER UPDATES
Líderes Para Dar / John Gullo Home for Children
The progress being made on the new children’s home is both exciting and makes us feel a little uneasy at the same time.
We decided to proceed in phases to show momentum believing that when others saw so much progress they’d be inspired to donate.
So, once we had the money raised for Phase I of the project, the building began.
Phase I will be completed by the end of the summer, but we are still approx $200k short of our goal to begin Phase II which will complete construction.
With poverty rates having increased by over 200% and breast cancer and childhood leukemia being among the leading causes of death affecting women and children in Mexico, most of whom live in extreme poverty, there are families waiting for this home to be completed. This has been confirmed by DIF, the Mexican government agency responsible for child welfare and the entity that will be helping to place children in this new home.
Naming rights are still available for visible areas within the facility including the dormatories. Please consider donating today.
New Creation Kids (NCK) Children’s Home
One of the Directors at New Creation Kids - Nueva Creaçion Niñas reached out recently. She explained how day time temperatures reached 39C and it’s sweltering inside the dormatories. She asked about air conditioning.
I sent a note to Cody Garett Mills whose firm ToroNet.mx installed the solar and battery system (and donated time and material.)
“Make sure the AC’s are inverter models,” I was informed. “This will ensure the system doesn’t overload. We have technicians standing by to assist if needed,” he said.
If you want to make a donation to help supply a proper air conditioner so these kids can enjoy a decent night sleep please visit Leaders2Give.org, select “New Creation Kids” from the giving menu, and enter “AC unit” in the comment section.
The East Cape Health Center
The East Cape Health Center is proud to announce that the first day for Dra Ingrid Quintero, OB/Gyn will be on Sat 6 May at the new Women’s Health Center. They have a full schedule for her with six patients.
In April, Dr. Daniel Medina joined their team. Daniel was one of the East Cape Guild doctors in 2016-2018 and aspired to attend a three year Emergency Physician Masters degree. When he graduated, he returned to join their team to cover 24 hour weekends, Monday and Tuesday duty. He is a valued physician with skills to share with their medical team.
Another good recruitment is the addition of Dra. Karla Zamudio. Karla comes with fantastic triple credentials, specializing in Pediatrics, Pediatric Urology and Pediatric Surgery. She will start 6 May and work twice a week.
La Ribera had a two day power outage so the new clinic found it essential to install a generator to keep the lights on in case of another power outage during the summer.
And finally, last Saturday, the East Cape Health Center attended a fun affair at Viva Creacion to support their new remodeling of the dormitories, the main play area, the garden, and the woodworking site. A fun time was had by all as the children who painted art projects which were raffled off to the attendees.
Stay tuned for their summer projects…
Feeding The Hungry
In 2011, an initiative was started to provide essential supplies to the most impoverished people in the Los Barriles community. Over the last dozen years this initiative has developed into the Los Barriles Feeding the Hungry Charity.
Since 2017 this effort has been headed by Ben and Harriet Purkey who first came to Los Barriles from Oregon twenty three years ago.
The mission of the Los Barriles Feeding the Hungry Program is to support those in their community suffering from poverty and food insecurity by providing them with vouchers with which to purchase food and essential supplies.
Receiving a voucher is a dignified way for a family to receive support, because it gives them the power to make the decisions about their greatest need at that point in time.
Under Ben and Harriet’s leadership, working quietly behind the scenes, more than 7000 vouchers have been distributed to those in need. An amazing achievement. This initiative has made a dramatic difference to the most impoverished in our community.
If you would like to be a part of this effort to make a positive difference in the lives of the poorest of the poor among us, please contact Ben and Harriet at purkeybh@gmail.com
Help us to continue to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry.
SNAP - Spay, Neuter, and Prevention
This year to date, SNAP has accomplished an impressive feat - providing more than 600 spay and neuter services to dogs and cats in the East Cape. It's a testament to the unwavering dedication of their team and the vital support from their community members.
In the spirit of enhancing their educational outreach, they are excited to announce the commencement of educational sessions as part of the community "Curso de Verano" program being offered in Los Barriles. Scheduled from July 24 to August 11, 2023, these sessions are aimed at children aged 6 to 15. SNAP’s goal is to impress upon their young audience an understanding of the importance of spaying and neutering, and what it means to be a responsible pet owner.
Additionally, they are on the lookout for emerging leaders among the 13 to 15 age group. They believe in harnessing the passion and energy of these young individuals to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion towards animals at a formative age.
In a joint initiative this July, SNAP is collaborating with Cortez Rescue to offer an exciting incentive. For every dog that is sterilized during this month, the owner will receive a bag of food for their pet. It’s their way of thanking their community members for taking a responsible step towards pet population control.
Summer is also a time when they particularly encourage donations. Many families in the community struggle with the seasonal reduction in work, which can significantly affect their ability to care for their pets. Your generosity during these months can make an immense difference and help ensure the welfare of our furry friends.
To Donate to Leaders2Give and any of our Partners, visit our Donate page.