rogerj1 - 6-29-2009 at 02:09 AM
I recently returned from a humanitarian project delivering vehicles and equipment to towns in Mexico without them. This was the third trip for the
group and the first I've participated in. This year we delivered a fire truck, 2 aid cars, 4 police cars and a bus equipped for wheelchairs. We took
vehicles to Ayutla, Autlan, Barra de Navidad, and delivered medical and safety equipment to Mazatlan for a Rotary group in Tacoma.
What an experience! To read about the trials and tribulations of the trip:
http://www.themissiontomexico.com/Home.htm
There's links to an updated blog about the trip, news coverage from the Tacoma paper, and a link to donate money.
This trip had big issues at the border. Due to the age of 2 vehicles, tax official asked for $6000 to let them through. This took up over 7 hours of
precious road time spent on bare asphalt in the middle of the Sonoran desert.
DianaT - 6-29-2009 at 08:38 AM
Thanks for sharing this. Looks like besides being a very worthwhile endeavor, it was also a fun trip.
I briefly looked at the site you linked and will spend more time later---looks very interesting.
Diane
DENNIS - 6-29-2009 at 08:47 AM
Great organization you have there, Roger. Non-sectarian as well. The name threw me off.
We have people here, gringo types, who are involved in the importation of fire equipment for the local volunteer fire department and they are
learning the hard way about altruism and donating in Mexico. There is at least one vehicle stuck in red tape. If you don't mind, I will give them
your web site and have them contact your organization for moral support and pertinent info.
bajamigo - 6-29-2009 at 10:08 PM
Nice work, Roger. I'm part of a group in Punta Banda that recently purchased a fire engine and a first response vehicle at auction. We worked with a
cusoms broker to import the vehicles, which are on their way as I write this. For our little community, this was a big expense, but our dedicated
volunteer fire department needs and deserves the equipment. While the selling prices for the vehicles was relatively low, it was still real money. How
were you able to obtain donated vehicles?
rogerj1 - 6-29-2009 at 10:35 PM
Baja Amigo: The group has close ties to law enforcement in the area. They've also done a good job of raising money through donations. Go to the
website, click on contacts, and you should get some advice. If you have trouble reaching someone, u2u me and I'll help you out.