By José Antonio Pérez
Puerto Peñasco Red Cross Board President Julio Cesar Valenzuela was happy to inform that thanks to the acceptance, solidarity, and participation of all, the local institution was able to raise more than 748 thousand pesos during their 2018 fundraising drive, representing a 20% increase over last year and surpassing goals. In addition, given there are still companies who have yet to complete their donations, it is estimated the total amount collected may reach 800 thousand pesos.
Julio Valenzuela asserted resources gathered from the collection campaign are extremely valuable, as they allow the institution to sustain operations (estimated at 150 thousand pesos a month), and maintain healthy finances in keeping bills and payroll up to date. All of this translates into clear numbers and strengthens certainty that the Red Cross has the capacity to respond to emergencies that may arise within the community. The local Red Cross has a fleet of five ambulances, along with three more for long distance transfers, and more than 60 emergency workers who are always ready and willing to give the best of themselves in service.
World Red Cross Day celebrated by providing free meals to 120 in need
Local Red Cross rescue coordinator, Miguel Angel Ibarra Lomeli, reminds the community the institution is not just an ambulance service but rather one with people who believe in humanity, the preservation of life, and health. So, to celebrate World Red Cross Day on May 8th, and in honor of its founder Henry Dunant, local Red Cross members put their hands into action and prepared burritos along with Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus) for those less fortunate and in need of food and shelter. The effort provided a meal to at least 120 people in different parts of Puerto Peñasco, many of them living on the street.
Ibarra Lomelí highlighted the Red Cross has been present in Mexico since 1910, and has been active during the country’s most difficult moments.
Also as part of World Red Cross Day, Ibarra Lomelí presented acknowledgments to two rescue workers, Francisco Tapia and Luis Castro Careaga, for over 30 years of uninterrupted service.