Mexico Update #2 from DG Doug Vincent

Today was another special day as we traveled in several different groups to distribute books and computers to ten schools in the area. In addition, our group distributed several wheel chairs, an ambulance from California Rotarians and some medical equipment to the local hospital. I am pleased Dale and Mary Devlin from RC Milton are also here to participate in this special experience.

After being taken near the designated school, Rotarians all walked proudly through the town square and into the school grounds where the students, many parents and wheel chair recipients were patiently waiting. After some entertainment by the students, official ceremonies and presentations began.

Thanks to local Rotarians, the wheel chairs had already been unpacked and set up for each of the handicapped people identified to receive one. They proudly sat in a line to show off their new mode of transportation and it was a thrill to help an excited older lady into the seat of her new set of wheels.

Everyone was very happy and appreciative of what Rotarians, the Rotary Foundation and the Wheel Chair Foundation have done. It is giving much more than mobility to a handicapped person. It provides freedom for the whole family, who until now has been tied down assisting a family member to move about.

While talking to some of the recipients I came to realize that we had also provided a sense of freedom and opportunity for these folks to live a more normal life. In some cases it will help them have the mobility to become more active and possibly even bread winners for their family.

A token delivery of books and computers was made to school officials representing the items they had picked up from us a couple days ago. It was exciting to tour the school and see the variety of donated items, including some water filtration fountains, providing potable water to students for the first time.

Next stop was the local hospital, where an ambulance and many pieces of medical equipment were received from Rotary officials by the Hospital Director and staff. We had been here previously and met him with the medical mission team, who was in attendance and in the process of winding up their journey.

During conference presentations, we were honoured to meet both the State Governor and Secretary of Health, who attended to convey support and appreciation to Rotarians for the great work in helping the needy population. The mayor and other municipal dignitaries participated to in the celebrations.

The day ended with a great meal and Mexican fiesta celebrating in true Rotary fellowship, the great service work that our Rotary Foundation enhances through matching grants.

If you have not given already, I hope you will find it in your heart to contribute now, to your Rotary Foundation. Those of you who contributed $125. to sponsor a wheel chair can take great pride and satisfaction in knowing you have made a great difference in the life of someone you may never know.

Sending thanks and appreciation on behalf of all those needy people who have been the beneficiary of your kindness and humanitarian aid this week.

DG Doug V.

Douglas W Vincent, RC Woodstock-Oxford
District Governor 7080, 2005/06
D7080 Humanitarian Missions Chair 06/07
Rotary Foundation Cadre Advisor
R I Technology Committee 02/03
R I Fellowships Committee 03/05
International Chairman, ROTI 01/03