Dear District 7730 Rotarians,
Our GSE Team visit to District 4180 in Mexico was a terrific opportunity to learn more about that country and about the great works being performed by Rotarians there. Large and small clubs in that District are dedicated to improving living conditions for those less fortunate. They are committed to completing projects that their government cannot help with thus they are a strong movement that has a great impact on the quality of life in their communities.
Their accomplishments are truly amazing, especially because they are not necessarily rich clubs. They raise funds, establish partnerships with clubs in other countries, apply for matching grants, and welcome many exchange teams and students. While there we visited rehabilitation centers, orphanages, special education schools, medical and dental clinics, health and nutrition centers, and training schools for the disabled funded solely by the clubs. They do so much with very little!
Cuernavaca is one such city where there are several clubs working together to improve conditions in this city that although having over 1/2 million inhabitants only has one rehabilitation center and a couple of old ambulances.
If your club is looking for a worthwhile international project, if there is interest in visiting Mexico on an club to club exchange, if you would like a sister club, if you want to have an impact on lives that would really benefit from your help, look at some of these projects and contact the club leading this effort:
Club Tehuacán Granadas
Contact: Victor Manuel Bueno, Past Pres. 05-06
WHEELCHAIR PROJECT
March 2007. Intend to obtain a container of 280 wheelchairs. Total cost is about $21,000 that could be shared by several clubs. They plan to sell the wheelchairs to other clubs in their region at the price of $30 a piece to raise the funds for their medical mission that is funding multiple free surgical procedures for split-lip and open palate patients of their region.
Club Rotario de Taxco
Club Cuernavaca Juárez
Contact: Robert Winter
Electrotactile sensory Substitution System (BrainPort vision device)
Ongoing project in Cuernavaca and Mexico City which provides training to blind children and adults who were either blind at birth or due to accidents or illness. System was designed by University of Wisconsin. This system uses a camera, processor and electrodes to send pulsations to the brain and enables the blind to read a newspaper or have “vision” to see obstacles at all levels of their bodies and around them.. Each personal system is estimated to cost $3,000. RI Past Pres. Frank Devlyn’s optical clinics are helping provide training.
Club Cuernavaca Juárez
Contact: Robert Winter
Super Torilla Project
Ongoing project which provides nutritional meals to orphans and poor children through the use of a specially developed flour mix that provides all the daily nutritional requirements. This enriched flour is used to make super tortillas, the staple of their daily meals.
Club Cuernavaca Juárez
Contact: Mabel Winter
CHILDREN’S REHABILITATION CENTER PROJECT
Cuernavaca
To provide ultrasound and electric stimulation rehabilitation equipment. This rehab center, the only one in Cuernavaca, provides physical and occupational therapy. It was founded and is funded by local Rotary Clubs. Eighty percent of their patients are low income. Cost of the equipment needed: 5-7 thousand dollars.
Club Jardines de Cuernavaca
Contact: Jose Alpizar-Toledo
Intensive Care AMBULANCE
Only one specially equipped ambulance is available in all of the Cuernavaca District. The one available is privately owned and very expensive to use. There is a high death rate in patients requiring intensive care during transport to area hospitals. The club sponsoring this fund raising effort is a young club with average membership age of 35.
Club Rotario de Taxco
Contact: Dr. Angelica Gomez
draangelica2003@hotmail.com
ROTARY MEMBERS EXCHANGE
Want to develop sister relationships with clubs interested in visiting Taxco and also hosting club members in their homes in the US. Taxco is a colorful mountainside town, the center of silversmithing for Mexico. The local food is wonderful, especially their local soup. Also try their refreshing Rotarian-developed lime soda!
Club Rotario de Taxco
Contact: Dr. Angelica Gomez
draangelica2003@hotmail.com
SILVER ROTARY CENTENNIAL COIN
$50 each. Commemorative coin in sterling silver. Has image of Paul Harris and Rotary Wheel.. Available with certificate of authenticity. Funds raised though its sales are shared by Rotary Foundation and local club for water purification and delivery projects.
If you require further information, please contact Magda Baggett, Fayetteville Rotary Club. mbaggett@nc.rr.com or dbaggett@nc.rr.com .