The Oracle in Sechelt and the Be the Change for Kids family is helping create a merrier Christmas for the children of one of the poorest colonies on the Baja in Mexico.
If you have small, beanie-baby sized stuffed animals needing hugs, please drop them off at The Oracle in Sechelt. Stuffed toys don’t have to be new, previously loved and in good condition is wonderful. They are also collecting new toothbrushes, basic first aid and Band-Aids.
On Nov. 9 seven children from Colonia Leonardo Gastelum participated in a ‘Be the Change’ beach clean-up to help sea life after Hurricane Paul. During the adventure, the Be the Change for Kid’s mascot, Finnigan the Frog was shared by the kids. They loved him, took good care of him, and gently gave him back at the end of the day. Seeing this, and discovering their lack of toys has inspired The Oracle to collect small stuffed animals to take Mexico.
Many of the families of Colonia Leonardo Gastelum moved from mainland Mexico in hopes of employment opportunities and a better life. However, upon arrival, they soon discovered a lack of jobs and an unsustainable desert environment.
With no water, electricity, agriculture, sewers or schools these people endured severe challenges. Over the past two years, the local government has granted them status and a school. They have water trucks delivering water approximately once per week. Last April, The Oracle, along with the Ray Thomas Group opened the doors to a school kitchen that currently feeds 100 hungry school children every school day. Volunteer moms run the kitchen and the food is generously donated by various grocers and corporations.
The Oracle is located at 1-5549 Wharf Avenue in Sechelt.
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