Rotarians returned from Mexico last month following another edition of the Los Amigos project.
Steve Turner, President of the Rotary Club of Olds, says they initially had eight donated vehicles – fire trucks and handivans – that they were intending to get to Mexico. Unfortunately, he notes that one of them had problem before they even began their journey. Turner says “we did make it to Mazatlan with four of the vehicles and we’ve been able to get arrangements to get the other three there. One has already arrived and the other two will be there shortly. They had a few issues that needed sorting out – at the border particularly. Once that is done they will move into the places where the need is and where they’ve been identified as a community that will receive them.”
Turner called it an interesting trip and adds that the weather was very hot. He says “the night we arrived in the community, as we were having super with the Fire Chief he told us that the truck we were delivering had finally arrived. It had been driven in by one of the local bomberos or firemen. When we went over to station all of the volunteer firefighters for the town had come to see the new fire truck. So it was kind of fun to meet them and see it settling into its new home.”
He adds, for them the highlight is always the ‘key ceremony’ where you go to the community that is receiving the vehicle and you have the opportunity to meet with the Mayor and the Rotarians that have put a lot of effort into getting these vehicles into their community. Turner says “you certainly see the significant need for the vehicles that we bring. The firetrucks and the handivans, particularly, were the focus this year. The community we went to called Tepatitlan is a community of 150,000 and we just brought them their fifth fire truck. So you can imagine a large size community with only four or five fire trucks. For them it is a significant need that they are needing met and our handivans will certainly help the community there in terms of their ability to have people with mobility issues be able to get around in their community and we are adding a handivan in there as well.”
Turner says it is his recollection that the Los Amigos project has taken 69 donated vehicles down to Mexico during the last 12 years.
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Olds will be hosting its second annual Dragons’ Den event this week.
Turner says they are looking to give away approximately $14,000 to non-profit community groups and local service organizations.
Those coming to make their pitch include: the Mount View Special Riding Association, the Olds Spartans Football Team, Clint’s Kitchen, the Pregnancy Care Centre Olds, the Bethany Care Centre, Hope 4 Mountain View Kids, the Community Learning Campus, and the Legacy Land Trust.
Also on hand will be guest Dragon Mayor Judy, and two Rotarians.
Dragons’ Den will run on Thursday, November 14th from 7 o’clock until 9 at the Air Cadet Hall and the public is welcome to attend and cheer on their favorite applicant.
