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Christmas comes early

Editor: On Sept. 14, Hurricane Odile struck Baja California Sur in Mexico with winds approaching 200 miles per hour. It was the worst storm in the history of the region. Damage is estimated at over half a billion dollars.

Editor:

On Sept. 14, Hurricane Odile struck Baja California Sur in Mexico with winds approaching 200 miles per hour.

It was the worst storm in the history of the region. Damage is estimated at over half a billion dollars.

Many hotels, restaurants and vacation homes sustained significant damage and the massive reconstruction job began immediately. But the real tragedy is the colonias (neighbourhoods), where the locals live. Many have had their homes completely destroyed and all their possessions lost. Others sustained considerable damage. To exacerbate these conditions, businesses where they worked were closed for repairs, so income ceased abruptly.

Wind gusts tore through the towns knocking down walls, blowing away roofs, up-ending vehicles and leaving the towns of Cabo and San Jose in a state of devastation. Power and water remained non-existent for two weeks.

The resilience of the Mexican people is quite astounding. They are optimistic and smiling again. Repair work is progressing rapidly.

When news of the destruction reached north, Sunshine Coasters generously provided relief to many locals around Cabo.

There were alerts of plagues of mosquitoes and Dengue fever. Shoppers Drug Mart in Trail Bay Mall donated insect repellent, antiseptics, sunscreen and more. Jorgy’s tennis group contributed mountains of useful clothing, the Oracle in Sechelt has rebuilt a home in a local barrio (neighbourhood), distributed a great deal of clothing and given a stuffed animal to 180 kindergarten-age children, thanks to the generosity of its customers.

An Alaska Air employee from the Pender Harbor area facilitated transporting supplies from Vancouver to the demolished area.

As long-time residents of both the Coast and Cabo, we thank all the people who have helped rebuild lives and bring an early Christmas to many residents.

Sidney and Bruce Smith, Middlepoint