Posted on February 18th, 2023
| Acknowledging our many amigos by Mark O’Neill, President One of the great things about volunteering is the many friendships – las amistades – that often result. And it takes a lot of good friends to keep an organization such as Amistad Canada going. About 50 in total including members of the Board of Directors, three Project Managers, 14 Project Chairs, 14 more Project Auditors and those serve on various AC committees (not to forget everyone who volunteers directly for our NGO Partners). On behalf of the Board, muchisimas gracias for your ongoing dedication. Speaking of the Board… AC Directors will be meeting in person for the first time in three years next month. The agenda includes reviewing the results of the annual audits of every NGO Partner as well as a ‘Blue Sky’ strategy session focused on what Amistad Canada will look like five years down the road. Speaking of heading down the road… it is great to see so many Canadians back in Mexico after missing the last couple of pandemic years. As you’ll see below, there are many great events planned by our NGO Partners as well as a lot of volunteer opportunities should you be inspired to give back to the country that makes us so welcome. Chances are good you’ll make some new amigos. COMING EVENTS:  • Saturday, February 18: La Catalina Foundation presents Noche de las Estrellas / A Night Under the Stars (5:30-9:30pm in el jardin), an evening of entertainment by students and local dance troupes plus a silent auction. Tickets 200 pesos, for sale in front of the church from 9–11:30am on February 17. More information HERE.  • Thursday, March 16: Jóvenes Adelante presents its 2022 Annual Report to the public in person for the first time since Covid. 1:30pm at Espacio San Miguel (formerly SmartSpace), Salida de Celaya 34 (near Bridgestone Tire).  • Thursday, March 16: Amistad Canada and Caminos de Agua host a FREE information and social event. 4:30pm at an elegant private home. An opportunity for the SMA Canadian Community to learn about: – The water situation in our region – The work of Amistad Canada – The multi-faceted work of Caminos de Agua to tackle our water crisis – And the important joint project we are undertaking to provide a lifetime of clean, safe water to the families of a local community-at-risk. This will also be an enjoyable social occasion with botanas, refreshments, music and a cash bar. To reserve a free ticket, click HERE • Friday, March 24: La Biblioteca de SMA presents its first All-Canadian House & Garden Tour. Watch for details in Atención. In the meantime, check out the FREE Charla Entre Amigos Spanish/English conversation sessions. Every Monday & Tuesday, 3-5pm at the Biblioteca patio. Meet up with an enthusiastic group of Mexicans and foreigners to develop new conversation skills and meet new friends! More info HERE.  • March 28–April 3: Feed the Hungry SMA hosts Travel with a Cause: March Magic 2023. A maximum of 20 participants will experience the heart of Mexico, feasting on the city’s rich tastes, sights, sounds, and traditions while contributing to the well-being of SMA’s poorest children. Information HERE. • Sunday, April 2: Programma pro Niños Incapacitados (PPNI) in Ajijic/Lake Chapala presents Las Cantates Concert: A Cabaret Show at the locally reknowned El Bar Co. This unique concert will feature the Las Cantates Singers performing an actual cabaret! Info and tickets HERE. And then, on Saturday, May 6: PPNI is off to the races! Watch the Kentucky Derby with all of the food, camaraderie, and fun activities associated with the world-famous event. Have your picture taken with a live horse. Eat southern-style food. Drink a mint julep. Win a prize for the best hat. All this and more great surprises. We’ll wager you’ll have fun. Info and tickets HERE. For up-to-date information on AMISTAD CANADA and our NGO Partners’ activities, follow facebook.com/groups/AmistadCanada VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: • La Biblioteca de SMA is recruiting House & Garden tour guides. Details HERE. • EEESMA School for the Deaf is looking for volunteer(s) to teach macrame. Details HERE. (It is also searching for a paid social worker; contact info@eeesma.com) • Feed the Hungry SMA is looking for food packers and drivers. Details HERE. • Jóvenes Adelante is recruiting both Mentors and English as a Foreign Language tutors. Details HERE. • La Catalina Foundation in La Manzanilla is looking for a graphic designer. Details HERE. • Programa por Niños Incapacitados in Ajijic/Lake Chapala is recruiting for a number of volunteer positions including new members of the Board of Directors. Details HERE. |
