Fund Raiser for Mexico

Hurricane Alex

Travel to Mexico is a phrase that captures the imagination.  Many of us in the lower mainland of British Columbia, vacation in Mexico, taking advantage of the beautiful mexican resorts that are an escape from the grey wet winters that descent upon us.

But once we are home again we forget about the escape to paradise until our next trip.  In the meantime life goes on there and sometimes it is a life that brings many challenges.  Such was the case when hurricane Alex hit the northeastern part of Mexico in June of this year.

I attended an event hosted by the Mexican Consulate on the 22^nd of July 2010.  I know.  I know that was a little while ago but some things are better said late rather than never.  Can I use the excuse that I took a couple of weeks off for a well-earned holiday?

The event took place at Ceili’s Irish Pub on Smithe and Granville in Vancouver.  This is a great venue at any time but at this time the “excuse” for those present was to raise funds, and an awareness, of the devastation that hurricane Alex had created.

There were about 60 people present and the music was fabulous, provided by a group called Sangre Morena, with a guitar player and a beautiful vocalist.  Put a few latinos in the same room and you have an instant rumba … and here I am referring to a latin synonym for “party” as opposed to the dance, which, of course, can also be danced at a rumba.

Hurricane Alex hit northeasten Mexico on June 30^th.  It was the first June hurricane in this area since Hurricane Allison in 1995.  There were numerous casualties, extensive property damage including flooding and power outages throughout the northeast area of Mexico.

Because the media was so focused on the BP oil spill in the Gulf, this unfortunate event received very little news coverage and as a result international assistance has been negligible, therefore the attempt by the Mexican consulate in Vancouver to address the need for financial support.  Patricia de la Maza from the consulate was the driving force behind this event and should be commended for all her efforts.

There was a silent auction as well as a 50/50 draw which the winner generously donated to the cause.  The total raised was $1430, not nearly enough of a good representation of what Vancouver can do.

We get away from the dull wet winters to welcoming warm sunny Mexico where our souls are rejuvenated.  So let us gather our forces and offer financial support by contacting Patricia at the consulate.  It is as simple as a call to 604–684-3547.