We all have stuff — emotional garbage we haven’t forgiven, unused items that are accumulating dust in our basements or an unfulfilled desire to make a difference.
For those of you with resalable “stuff” or who have craft items to give away, here is an opportunity to donate it for sale at the Feliz Navidad Christmas garage sale fundraising event. Your items will make a huge difference to the children of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Before you ask, “Why not give locally?” I would ask you to consider, “Why not do both? And get your Christmas shopping/gifting done!”
When my fiancé and I first visited Zihuatanejo — a Mexican version of Gibsons — last January, we witnessed how many shoeless children have to walk long, dusty distances carrying their books to schools that sometimes have no walls, floors, desks or sanitary toilets, then sit in the dust and learn from often unpaid teachers who have few educational materials. To give their children a chance, the parents themselves are constructing school rooms, but they need building materials. Net profits from this fundraiser will pay for the completion of two Francisco Madero classrooms near Zihuatanejo.
With funds raised last year for Por Los Ninos Foundation (www.porlosninos.com), we have donated 40 desks, contributed to the construction of a concrete school patio and awning and two school toilets, and delivered donated much-needed backpacks, shoes, educational supplies and clothes.
Many of us visit Mexican destinations, enjoying their beaches, hotels and culture. Let us also show these people that we care about their communities. Sadly, when children don’t get an education in the present Mexican culture, they have few options to make a living. So when we give, near or far, we all benefit. Locally and globally, let’s do it! You and your stuff can make a huge difference.
The garage sale fundraiser is Saturday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gibsons United Church Hall. There will be furniture, clothes, books, kitchen tools, baked goods and more.
To donate goods and or volunteer, please contact Natasha Rosewood at 604-886-5718 or Natasha@natashapsychic.com. To donate directly: www.porlosninos.com.
