The project is officially underway! 7 Ways you Can Help!
With the assistance of the community, of sponsors both near and far, we can truly make a difference in San Raymundo II. This is a barrio on the outskirts of Salinas that contains approximately 250 homes and 400 children.
The Cuenca based foundation Hogar de Esperanza, lead by Garry V. (a fellow Canadian) will be completing the renovations of the community hall; so pivotal to the residents. It is the place where programs to improve health and prosperity can be brought to this marginalized area. The building of the hall is only one step in the overall plan and it is our hope this barrio will serve as a model to bring resources and assistance to those in most need. To help remove some of the obstacles they face in accessing programs, in particular those focusing on health and wellness. The community has very slowing started building the hall without outside help.
The involvement of the foundation and the outside community as a whole will be life-changing for them.
Construction begins on March 29 as part of the National Good Deed’s Day.
Inauguration Day will be June 1 (Day of the Child) with a big celebration planned and of course an open invitation to join the community on this most important step in their progress to improve the lives of their residents.
There have been a number of meetings and already some programs are being secured for the area:
Two most recent examples:
- The local Artesan Salt producers living in the barrio (it is situated beside salt flats) have struck a deal with the foundation and their pure sea salt has begun selling in Cuenca. The funds will be put back into the barrio.
- A wellness program is scheduled for June 2, the day after the inauguration. The registrants will receive a full-day seminar on infection control and wellness information that is directly suited to their living environment. It will include lunch and is being offered by a US-based organization and lead by our own Kate Jewell that works on many such projects around the world.
We continue to partner with local, national and international organizations to bring programs, education, and resources to the residents. Now they will have a central location to provide these services.
I will keep everyone posted on the programs as they are secured. Remember, we are still looking for program ideas.
Seven Ways you can Help:
Offer Your Hands: they will need workers for March 29 to help install the roof, move material, and feed the workers.
Donate Materials: If you have blocks, cement, paint, electrical wire from another project, please consider donating the items.
Loan Some Tools: They can use ladders, hammers, drills, extension cords. The more we can loan, the more of the donation money can be put directly towards the hall.
Purchase Salt: The proceeds will go back to the community.
Bring Your Ideas, Talents, Connections, & Programs To The Table: Let’s hear your ideas on how to make this hall the change and opportunity they so desperately need.
Make a Financial Donation: The foundation needs a total of $6000 to complete the project which will include bathrooms. (as most do not have bathrooms in the barrio). If 200 People give $30 each we can reach the goal in time to install the roof on March 29.
Spread the Word: Share this project with everyone, let everyone know. The more hands and hearts, the more impact can be done.
If you would like to purchase some salt or make a donation, please email me at schadlich.dodie@gmail.com for further instructions.
