BajaNomad - Today I'm embarrassed to be a Gringo

Today I'm embarrassed to be a Gringo

Paulclark - 3-28-2010 at 02:54 PM

Sheila and I spent a couple hours today helping the Red Cross collect at a road stop. I would estimate that 80 to 90% of the Mexicans donated poor and rich alike, however I estimate that only 15 to 20% of the Gringos donated. Most ignored the collector, often speeding up with closed windows and eyes straight ahead. This was in San Jose where there are lots of wealthy Gringos who are well aware of what the money is being collectred for -- Some with Mexican plates and some with Northern plates. I did not include rental cars as I would not expect them to be aware of what was happening, but they almost outdonated the local Gringos.

Thanks to all the people who did generously donate.

DENNIS - 3-28-2010 at 03:01 PM

Found the same thing to be true here recently when a group of round-eyes took up street collections to fix a road in a predominantly expat neighborhood. The Mexican donations were generous, even from strangers.
The US folks for the most part had a "not my problem" attitude.

This may be a cultural thing. Anybody know?

DianaT - 3-28-2010 at 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Maybe they give in other ways.

Maybe that is true. I hope so.

We find it easy to just keep some money sitting out in the truck so that we are always prepared. We hope to never need the Cruz Roja, but we also want to see them there if we do.

mtgoat666 - 3-28-2010 at 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulclark Today I'm embarrassed to be a Gringo

well, diff cultures think differently about looking for donations in median of road. gringos associate that with homeless (in US I have only seen homeless or firemen in median -- i donate to homeless, but not firemen who already got lots of tax money), while in mexico it is common for organizations to collect in road.

It all evens out

Dave - 3-28-2010 at 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulclark
I would estimate that 80 to 90% of the Mexicans donated poor and rich alike, however I estimate that only 15 to 20% of the Gringos donated.

Most all gringos yield right-of-way to ambulances. Most Mexicans don't. :rolleyes:

Paulclark - 3-28-2010 at 03:44 PM

I don't know where you drive, but here everyone makes every effort to give right of way to an ambulance.

I see it happen regularly...

Dave - 3-28-2010 at 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulclark
I don't know where you drive, but here everyone makes every effort to give right of way to an ambulance.

In TJ, Rosarito and Ensenada. Ambulances weaving in and out of moving traffic and not one vehicle either pulls to the right or stops, or both.

What I find odd is I have seen it happen with funeral processions. Which leads to a whole other set of questions. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 3-28-2010 at 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

I see it happen regularly...

Yeah...so do I. It's another culture/personality thing. Many of them continue to believe rules and regulations are for other people, not them.
It's not like they just heard sirens for the first time.

Diver - 3-28-2010 at 04:15 PM

I remember years back when we first saw the Cruz Roja collectors.
We donated well at the first one we saw and some at the second but didn't realize that we would see more and more so we ended up not donating to some along the way.
Now we plan a modest donation for each one, each time we pass.

DENNIS - 3-28-2010 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
I remember years back when we first saw the Cruz Roja collectors.
We donated well at the first one we saw and some at the second but didn't realize that we would see more and more so we ended up not donating to some along the way.
Now we plan a modest donation for each one, each time we pass.

Just make sure they put the little sticker on the windshield. It means you gave at the office.

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2010 at 04:19 PM

Aw. Come on Dave. This thread is about a much deeper issue than driving habits. While I might understand some travelers' reluctance to give a donation, more out of ignorance than anything else, this does place an interesting light on the folks from NOB. to give them (maybe) just a little defense, since the site of the collection was in San Jose, it is possible that a high number of tourists were involved in Paul's somewhat unofficial survey. There are huge numbers of tourists who fly into the area and rent cars, who have been forewarned to discriminate against "beggers". That said, we have never passed up the opportunity to contribute, even if it was only pocket change. Lord knows that so many of those affluent tourists have never driven the entire Baja and encountered so many situations where donations were being sought. Finally, I'm not trying, in any way, to toot my horn by mentioning pocket change. It's just that sometimes, we just don't have cash on us. They don't take plastic. When we do have "real cash", we donate.

vandy - 3-28-2010 at 04:21 PM

Over the last few years, I've noticed that when you donate to the Cruz Roja, a red cross sticker is placed on your windshield to show that you've donated.
I seem to get a smaller sticker for like 5 pesos donation and a larger one for 20 pesos.
Nobody asks again when they see the sticker.
And those women are so cute in their uniforms!

DENNIS - 3-28-2010 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
pocket change

It all spends.
The predominant group of can-handlers in Ensenada throughout the year are the recycled druggies collecting for their program. These guys are street-smart. At an intersection with a red light, they'll pick out an American every time.
I don't like that.

arrowhead - 3-28-2010 at 04:32 PM

Sheesh. Mexico is heavily marketed to Gringos as the cheap destination to vacation and live. Why is it so puzzling that you have cheap Gringo's down there?

Mexico gets the Gringo's it panders to. So what's the beef?

Actually a Good, if Sad Point

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2010 at 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
Sheesh. Mexico is heavily marketed to Gringos as the cheap destination to vacation and live. Why is it so puzzling that you have cheap Gringo's down there?

Mexico gets the Gringo's it panders to. So what's the beef?

Perhaps there should be a survey on what matters most to people who have moved to, or travel frequently to Mexico and Baja. I'm feeling that if honesty prevailed, there would be a disappointingly large number of people who would be on the side of cheap vacations; not to mention those, who if were forced to fess up, actually consider Mexicans to something less than Americans. That's just the feeling I get when considering why so many folks seem to want to let all hades break loose like they couldn't NOB.

Dave - 3-28-2010 at 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Just make sure they put the little sticker on the windshield. It means you gave at the office.

Doesn't work. Just like a cross to a Jewish vampire. I collect probably a dozen of those stickers on my windshield this time of year. Of course I'm gonna get stopped...again and again. I'm an easy mark. :lol:

I just wish they wouldn't stop traffic. And I'm especially displeased at seeing them at toll booths.

David K - 3-28-2010 at 04:50 PM

In Northern Baja... it is the opposite from my 'few' observations... Mexican plated cars in front give nothing... I always donate to Cruz Roja when they are on the road in small towns...

Used to be a standard thing in Camalu, but has been missing the last few years through there. A policeman was always parked to keep an eye on the activity.

I would be really surprised if Baja Nomads were cheap with Cruz Roja... at least the Nomads I know... :rolleyes:

toneart - 3-28-2010 at 06:09 PM

This time of year they are out enmass. It is a good cause. I usually give if I have coins...small sure, but I give often and collect the little red crosses on my windshield. Today an older looking Mexican truck, Baja Sur plates was right in front of me. He gave! This time I didn't...no change, but the guilty look on my face and a shrug hopefully exonerated me.

Donjulio - 3-28-2010 at 06:51 PM

When there is an accident and they respond they aren't going to be looking for that sticker to decide whether to treat you or not but you will be glad they had enough gas to get there.

Packoderm - 3-28-2010 at 08:01 PM

I never gave to donation collectors out in the streets because I didn't know whether or not they were legitimate.

mulegejim - 3-28-2010 at 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulclark Today I'm embarrassed to be a Gringo

Not sure, however, you might be confusing the annual "Fill the Boot" drive by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) with other fund raising drives by local firefighter groups. I would like to point out that the IAFF is the largest single contributor to the MDA and has been for many years.

http://www.iaff.org/mda/index.asp

24baja - 3-28-2010 at 08:22 PM

Being from the emergency services field, we always donate both coming and going.

Being Charitable

MrBillM - 3-28-2010 at 08:31 PM

I've heard that Mexican Governmental, especially Law-Enforcement, employees set aside 20 percent of their Mordida for Charitable purposes.

Is that true ?

shari - 3-28-2010 at 08:45 PM

It is very common practise for all kinds of collections to be taken up on the streets...usually at stop signs or the gas stations. Examples of things they seek donations for are teen church camps, queen's of various things (you get to be queen if you raise the most money), policeman's ball, school field trips, sports teams etc. etc....kinda like car washes in the north without the work. They also sell food like tamales, soda, suckers, chiclets etc.

Pretty much all locals donate to red cross....kinda like an insurance policy....it might be you next who needs help.

When the CREAD rehab people come to the door, I always give them food instead of money.

[Edited on 3-29-2010 by shari]

DENNIS - 3-28-2010 at 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
When the CREAD rehab people come to the door

They ever come to my door and I'll drown them with mace.

mtgoat666 - 3-28-2010 at 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulclark Today I'm embarrassed to be a Gringo

that's them. they compete with homeless guys panhandling on median.

always suspicious of cash charities -- never know how much is skimmed in the field. at least when handing money to homeless guy, it is likely he is beneficiary of 100% of funds (except in places like India where pimps run the beggars)

Woooosh - 3-28-2010 at 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
When the CREAD rehab people come to the door

They ever come to my door and I'll drown them with mace.

no kidding. Those guys pick me out of an intersection and come right to me. They work the same intersections for years- so they know everyone.

I make one donation and get a few big Red Cross stickers that never come off a windshield no matter how hard you try. I don't feel guilty after that and everyone collecting waves and smiles the same. It does seem like a cuota driving through Rosarito Beach this time of year. Someone at every stop sign. I do admit to using one side streets to dodge all the kids selling sodas.

TMW - 3-29-2010 at 07:20 AM

I always donate in Mexico and the U.S. I often give to the street people too especially if one tells me he wants a drink. At least he's honest.

mulegemichael - 3-29-2010 at 07:56 AM

all of our change goes in the console of our car for instances like cruz roja and creads...what the hell?...give em a few pesos!

rhintransit - 3-29-2010 at 08:10 AM

Red Cross...I always get the big sticker with my first donation. eventually it does wear off, usually before the next year's collection drive.
the Loreto Traffic police have a collection day in December, and give a slip of paper you can put on the windshield so you just get a smile and a wave from the guys on the next corner. and the next. and the next.
anything/one I support and recognize gets a donation.
everyone else gets five or ten pesos from the stash in the cup holder. I don't try to inspect credentials. if I get a suspicious vibe, maybe they only get a few pesos but so what...
it's part of living here and life can be hard.
the only folks I really worry about are the guys in wheelchairs who sometimes appear in the middle of the road by topes in La Paz. what's the story on that?

knuckles - 3-29-2010 at 08:19 AM

"When there is an accident and they respond they aren't going to be looking for that sticker to decide whether to treat you or not but you will be glad they had enough gas to get there. "

Donjulio has it right.... and we know first hand what a wonderful organizaton this is.

We normally just give a little to all who ask on both sides. Even the rehab group dressed in white. They always say "god bless you" so I feel like I just got an extra blessing even though I paid for it.

Osprey - 3-29-2010 at 08:32 AM

Over the years you want to be careful about the coins in the console thing. I got so used to giving that to CR that one year I really loaded them up with coins (cause I had a lot of coins) and I forgot the peso was 3300 to the dollar. Now I wish they had said "wake up gringo, paper money only, por favor". Well, no excuse but I was young then and Mexico mello most of the time.

Donjulio - 3-29-2010 at 08:51 AM

Had an interesting experience on Saturday. We had an idea at the food bank to get all of the local businesses to help support the community that has supported them for so many years.

With the economy and tourism down so much here the community is suffering but we wanted to find a way to empower the people to become more self-sustaining.

So the idea was to go each business and get them to sign a commitment for 100 pesos a month. Thats not much until you multiply it 400 times. Then it feeds a whole lot of people.

I had a letter written in Spanish explaining what we wanted to do so that it was very clear. I watched the people nod their heads as they read it. Out of the 24 Mexican businesses I went to 23 signed and made a monthly commitment and only 1 said next month (cause his business wasn't even completely open yet).

Out of the 4 American owned businesses I went to, one of them would commit to 100 pesos per month. 1 gave 100 pesos and said she would do that when she could but wouldnt commit to it. The other two didn't sign and didn't give.

Interesting.

Russ - 3-29-2010 at 09:21 AM

This is certainly painting an ugly image of the American tourist & expats. But please let's not forget how generous we can be either. Ask the kids in the towns about where they got their bikes. Or those that received help after a disaster where much of the donations came from. I for one am not ashamed to be an American. Even if our politics and a few arrogant people embarrass me at times we do come through in times of need.

shari - 3-29-2010 at 09:30 AM

thanks for that Russ...right on.
I am always so impressed how mexicanos are so generous with donations, paying the grocery bagging kids, window washers etc...I have felt pangs of guilt when I see how much they give and realize my peso or two is less than they give! oooops

DENNIS - 3-29-2010 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by knuckles
Even the rehab group dressed in white. They always say "god bless you" so I feel like I just got an extra blessing even though I paid for it.

I've often wondered what their story is. They've been around for a long time. I've even mentioned to them that I'd pay more if they would tell me how they got their clothes so white.
Seems like the organized begging industry is growing in the states. Organizations take in homeless and court ordered rehab victims as well as unmanageable kids from well to do families and they're sent out to pan handle. It's their job.
More and more they are becoming evident here, these businesses from the states. Less regulation and overhead.
It is a business....not an altruistic mission. Somebody is making lots of money from these scams.

Remember Doc Thaddeus...DocT and his alter-ego Sock-Puppet or whatever? I think that's what he was up to.

schwlind - 3-29-2010 at 09:54 AM

I can tell you that I always donated to those recognizable Mexican charitable organizations... along Hwy 1 and at the border... at least up until a good Mexican friend related this incident to me. Several years ago, an ex-pat had a heart attack My friend rushed this ex-pat, who was a close friend of his, to a nearby city and begged the emergency services organization there to please take him by ambulance to San Quintin or somewhere he could have been treated. They flatly refused and the man died. After that time my friend said he would never donate to them again.

I realize this is only one incident, but to see your friend dying and this particular organization being unwilling to help had a profoundly negative impact on my friend.

durrelllrobert - 3-29-2010 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Just make sure they put the little sticker on the windshield. It means you gave at the office.

yes, Cruz Rojas does put on a sticker but they are the only ones. the rest get you going (which I always give to) and then coming back too (which I try to signal that I already gave) :?:

DENNIS - 3-29-2010 at 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
yes, Cruz Rojas does put on a sticker but they are the only ones. the rest get you going (which I always give to) and then coming back too (which I try to signal that I already gave) :?:

Save your washers. Image is everything. :lol:

durrelllrobert - 3-29-2010 at 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

I would be really surprised if Baja Nomads were cheap with Cruz Roja... at least the Nomads I know... :rolleyes:

Or that considered.... Mexicans to be less than Americans as bajawodd wrote (where did that come from?) :fire:

toneart - 3-29-2010 at 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
This is certainly painting an ugly image of the American tourist & expats. But please let's not forget how generous we can be either. Ask the kids in the towns about where they got their bikes. Or those that received help after a disaster where much of the donations came from. I for one am not ashamed to be an American. Even if our politics and a few arrogant people embarrass me at times we do come through in times of need.

I agree! Although I am not a pseudo flag waver, the People of The United States have always had the reputation, and still are probably the most generous, charitable people world wide. Nice people make me proud to be "an American". :yes:

Mean people suck!

DENNIS - 3-29-2010 at 10:27 AM

All I know for sure is that when giving becomes obligatory, it's no longer charity. It's a tax.

henshaw - 3-29-2010 at 02:19 PM

Perhaps the Mexicans you see donating are more like local folks and want to suppory that community. Perhaps the Gringos you see not donating may be traveling many hundreds of miles an just got tired of shelling out over and over again day after day of traveling. Hmmmm, who knows.

Bajahowodd - 3-29-2010 at 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by knuckles
"When there is an accident and they respond they aren't going to be looking for that sticker to decide whether to treat you or not but you will be glad they had enough gas to get there. "

Donjulio has it right.... and we know first hand what a wonderful organizaton this is.

We normally just give a little to all who ask on both sides. Even the rehab group dressed in white. They always say "god bless you" so I feel like I just got an extra blessing even though I paid for it.

If you are referring to the folks dressed in white standing outside so many stores NOB, they are members of a fundamentalist church. The uniforms are meant to make them appear t be more official- looking. I have nothing against charities that provide needed assistance, be it for rehab, or whatever. But, this is truly a case of where the unsuspecting have no idea as to where the money collected actually goes.

Cash in the Dash

MrBillM - 3-29-2010 at 02:29 PM

I always keep a bunch of one-dollar bills wedged in a seam of the Truck dash for easy access and more than once I've been asked about it by the Mex Army guys who have looked through the cab.

On one occasion, when sent to U.S. secondary, the Customs official looking around gave me a suspicious look and said "What's this money for" ? I explained and said "NOBODY would think a dozen one-dollar bills would bribe anybody on EITHER side of the border".

Would they ?

Bajahowodd - 3-29-2010 at 03:11 PM

And he probably didn't even know what a great tipper you are! :lol:

Bajaboy - 3-29-2010 at 04:00 PM

But I can't remember the last time I saw a Mexican tip at Pemex...making blanket judgments is a tough call. I'd like to think that we all give in our own ways and it should for our own reasons.

ecomujeres - 3-29-2010 at 04:12 PM

This is the perfect place to announce a fundraiser by the Mulege Cruz Roja this week:

Carne Asada meal (includes ensalada, frijoles, tortillas) - 40 pesos

Wednesday, March 31

2 pm-6 pm

At the "Y", near entrance arch.

Also for sale: sodas, beer, desserts

So, come enjoy the food and company and support a worthy cause.

Bajahowodd - 3-29-2010 at 04:20 PM

Kinda wish I was gonna be there. But at 40 pesos, you gotta hope folks are going to be way generous, 'cause you're not gonna make much giving that amount of food away for 40 pesos. Good luck on raising funds.

mulegemichael - 3-29-2010 at 04:21 PM

ecomujeres...once again, thanks for being in the constant lead for our community....your direction and guidance and diligence has been wonderful. m.

KAT54 - 3-29-2010 at 04:23 PM

Now I am embarassed this is even posted
Why does paulclark think just because he was working a collection point GRINGOS should be required to donate?
Is he famous?
Do not most people give to their own choice of needy?
Why be required just because it is the red cross?
Has he ever driven mex1 on a sunday?
Is not there collectors in every town?

Are There Not Collectors

Bajahowodd - 3-29-2010 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KAT54
Now I am embarassed this is even posted
Why does paulclark think just because he was working a collection point GRINGOS should be required to donate?
Is he famous?
Do not most people give to their own choice of needy?
Why be required just because it is the red cross?
Has he ever driven mex1 on a sunday?
Is not there collectors in every town?

That said, among others, I have posted here that keeping some change handy fills the bill. I absolutely do not disagree with the concept of one's personal choice for charitable donation. But this isn't a case of writing a $500 check. These folks are carrying cans for a reason. Give them a break, and perhaps a 10 peso coin. Unless that will ruin your trip. :rolleyes:

CaboRon - 3-29-2010 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I've heard that Mexican Governmental, especially Law-Enforcement, employees set aside 20 percent of their Mordida for Charitable purposes.

Is that true ?

ecomujeres - 3-29-2010 at 04:40 PM

Mulegemichael...thanks for the feedback. But I couldn´t do it without the support of open-hearted, generous people like yourself and so many others in our community who want to do what we can to better this world and help out our neigbors, even if it is only one peso or one person at a time. DV

DianaT - 3-29-2010 at 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ecomujeres
This is the perfect place to announce a fundraiser by the Mulege Cruz Roja this week:

Carne Asada meal (includes ensalada, frijoles, tortillas) - 40 pesos

Wednesday, March 31

2 pm-6 pm

At the "Y", near entrance arch.

Also for sale: sodas, beer, desserts

So, come enjoy the food and company and support a worthy cause.

Wish we were in the area---40 pesos? I hope a lot of it is donated food so that you make good money.

Have fun
Diane

ecomujeres - 3-29-2010 at 04:59 PM

Wish you were here too, Diane!

Here´s more info on the organizing of the event:

There is a committee of 10 women, las Damas de la Cruz Roja, who are responsible for organizing the event. Each of these women and their families or friends are donating all the food and supplies to the event.

They only item so far that they will buy is the meat.

Cruz Roja from Santa Rosalia and from La Paz are helping with a few of the supplies as well.

They are raising money for their supply fund, which is used to purchase items such as syringes, alcohol swabs, gauze, oxygen, gasoline and other misc. supplies needed to stock the ambulance.

All of the people working at Cruz Roja in Mulege are volunteers who are giving of their own time in providing this vital community service.

mulegejim - 3-29-2010 at 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulclark Today I'm embarrassed to be a Gringo

I will respond one last time as I am very offended by Goats post regarding Firefighters "Fill the Boot" campaign for MDA. As a retired Los Angeles City Fire Captain long involved with the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112 (UFLAC) - the union representing Firefighters in Los Angeles City - I will just include this post from the Local's website and let the issue rest. I do not want to hijack this post, however, I could not let this pass. Please read the attached and remember this is just one Local Union's contribution in the IAFF to MDA. I am done.

5th Annual LAFD/UFLAC Fill the Boot

March 15, 2010
Bul 16 – 10

5th Annual LAFD/UFLAC Fill the Boot

"The 5th Annual LAFD/UFLAC Local #112 Fill the Boot drive to benefit the Muscular
Dystrophy Association will take place on Monday, April 19th, Tuesday, April
20th, and Wednesday, April 21st. Your local MDA representative will be
contacting each battalion to kick off this year’s push.

Over the last four years, Los Angeles City Fire Fighters have raised more
than $536,180 for children and adults living in our city suffering from a
neuromuscular disease. Our contribution was $201,465 in 2009 alone. These
funds provide health care and support services to individuals living with
muscle diseases in Southern California. Additionally, MDA uses Fill the Boot
dollars to fund scientific research towards finding treatments and cures for
the 43 diseases under the MDA umbrella.

The partnership between International Association of Fire Fighters and the
Muscular Dystrophy Association began in 1954, and the fire service has
remained the biggest champion of the MDA and Jerry’s Kids. Since its
inception, Fill the Boot has raised over $350 million dollars nationwide. We
at the UFLAC office would like to thank you for your hard work and dedicated
effort in supporting this worth cause.

What community was this?

Dave - 3-29-2010 at 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Donjulio
Had an interesting experience on Saturday. We had an idea at the food bank to get all of the local businesses to help support the community that has supported them for so many years.

With the economy and tourism down so much here the community is suffering but we wanted to find a way to empower the people to become more self-sustaining.

So the idea was to go each business and get them to sign a commitment for 100 pesos a month. Thats not much until you multiply it 400 times. Then it feeds a whole lot of people.

I had a letter written in Spanish explaining what we wanted to do so that it was very clear. I watched the people nod their heads as they read it. Out of the 24 Mexican businesses I went to 23 signed and made a monthly commitment and only 1 said next month (cause his business wasn't even completely open yet).

Out of the 4 American owned businesses I went to, one of them would commit to 100 pesos per month. 1 gave 100 pesos and said she would do that when she could but wouldnt commit to it. The other two didn't sign and didn't give.

Interesting.

Big Tipper

MrBillM - 3-29-2010 at 09:02 PM

That's Me. Just an all-around great guy.

I've always tipped generously and contribute dollars to ALL of those solicitors, Cruz Roja, Drug Rehab or whatever. Usually no more than Ten dollars or so on the trip south and mostly less than Twenty heading North. I even pay those guys with the dirty rags to NOT wipe down my truck. Probably more than they get from those they do. It's the cheapest part of my trip.

Some friends have been irritated with me for that tipping. I guess they feel it makes them look cheap. Especially if they're leaving the tip and I add to it before leaving. THEY claim I'M setting the bad example and making people expect that of everybody.

Personally, I feel that anybody driving a 40K truck filled with toys who goes the cheapskate route is a Jerk, but it's their money and their business, just as it is mine since it's a matter of CHOICE.

Like someone else said, North of the border, I usually limit my contributions on the street to those who are trying to raise dough for Booze. Anybody holding one of those signs can count on me for a buck or two. I don't want to hear about being Homeless, needing work or buying food. Drinks, I'll buy.

My contributions to Organized charity in the States is limited to the ASPCA and like organizations. The government can take care of the people. I like Dogs better.

BajaBlanca - 3-30-2010 at 12:04 AM

You know, I met the woman who started the drug CREEAD rehabilitation program here in Mexico. She was my student in San Diego many years ago. Her son died from drugs and she swore she would dedicate the rest of her life to helping others .... TONY - she was a student at our downtown school

Today an ambulance with lights aflashing was stopped at the checkpt between santa rosalia and san ignacio .... quite shocking to us...but recently in Ensenada, evryone moved over to the right when one came by

toneart - 3-30-2010 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
You know, I met the woman who started the drug CREEAD rehabilitation program here in Mexico. She was my student in San Diego many years ago. Her son died from drugs and she swore she would dedicate the rest of her life to helping others .... TONY - she was a student at our downtown school

Today an ambulance with lights aflashing was stopped at the checkpt between santa rosalia and san ignacio .... quite shocking to us...but recently in Ensenada, evryone moved over to the right when one came by

Blanca,

U2U or email her name to me. Was she a student of both you and me? I would probably remember her.

I sometimes donate to them when they are not too aggressive. A couple of days ago, one Cread solicitor in Mulege tried to hit me up four times while I was running errands. One of those times he was walking in front of me and set an empty plastic cup on the bumper of my parked truck. It fell off and into the street. He then saw me getting into the truck and came back and stuck the coin can in my face. I told him to get out of my face and to stop throwing basura on the street if he wants donations from Gringos. I did NOT give him anything. :mad:

monoloco - 3-30-2010 at 02:33 PM

It's kind of hard to know the motivation as to why someone didn't stop and contribute. I know around here that they have the Cruz Roja collecting money in several places, usually the first one i come to will receive all my ferria, I might drive by others several times during the day. Just because someone doesn't stop and contribute at every one every time doesn't make them cheap, it might just mean they have already made a contribution.

Paulclark - 3-30-2010 at 04:29 PM

That is the beauty of the little stickers -- or big ones if you are a little more generous -- it is easy to see who has donated and who hasn't........

henshaw - 3-30-2010 at 05:04 PM

Perhaps the Mexicans you see donating are from that particullar community and they have a vested interest along with a big heart.

It could be that the Gringos you see not contributing have traveled many days and many hundreds of miles and have gotten tired of donating in every small town they go through? Hmmmm, who knows.

Paulclark - 3-30-2010 at 05:49 PM

It is possible -- but -- we were located off the highway and it is fairly easy to recognize travellers vs. locals and discount the rental plates. The surprise was that the rentals, which would be driven by vacationers and probably not familiar with the Red Cross were as generous as the expats with local plates or Northern plates.

805gregg - 3-30-2010 at 05:58 PM

I always give something to Cruz Roja, and I always stop for pedestrians, something in Baja that will get you honked at , yelled at and flipped off, I do it anyway, screw the heathens.

no estickers

oladulce - 3-31-2010 at 09:53 AM

I keep a bag of coins handy and donate a handful to Cruz Roja at any checkpoint. Only once, on our first driving trip down the peninsula 20 yrs ago, were we offered a windshield sticker. Haven't seen one since and didn't realize it was still practiced.

I can see how looking for windshield stickers would help you gauge the donation patterns of your local donation drive Paulclark and can sense your frustration because it is such an important organization. But don't loose faith. As others have mentioned, the lack of stickers on gringo windshields isn't revealing the true giving habits especially of transpeninsular travelers.

bajafam - 4-2-2010 at 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
i donate to homeless, but not firemen who already got lots of tax money), while in mexico it is common for organizations to collect in road.

Just so you know, goat, when the firemen are in the median outside the grocery store what have you, collecting money, it's called "Fill the Boot" and 99% of the time, the money they collect is for programs that are not government subsidized, such as toys at Christmas for underprivileged children, other community efforts to benefit children, or for a Children's Charity such as March of Dimes, Leukemia or Diabetes Research. That money does not line the pockets of any fire employee. It is donated directly to the charity or used to fund the other services. Last year, our firefighters did not raise the amount they needed for the Christmas Drive, so all of the firefighting families donated out of their own pockets to give the community children a nice Christmas. So, next time you see a fireman with the boot asking for donations, think about where it's going and give them something! Every little bit helps

BajaBlanca - 4-2-2010 at 12:52 PM

you know ..instead of donating directly to the homeless, which keeps them ON the streets longer, it makes more sense to me, to donate to organizations that will help them get back on their own 2 feet. Halthier. Better for them. Better for all of us if they become self-sufficient.
Just my thoughts ...

jak - 4-3-2010 at 05:19 PM

Today I am proud to be a Gringo :biggrin:

We tipped the Pemex pumper.