The Grupo de Asistencia de Bomberos y Cruz Roja Lakeside (Lakeside Fire and Red Cross Assistance Group) has worked tirelessly to find ways to import donated equipment and supplies for area firemen and emergency medical technicians.
Now Rotarians, Shriners, American and Canadian Legion members, Cruz Roja and local politicians (and in some cases, their mothers) have joined forces as an unaffiliated group to facilitate shipments of donated equipment to the southern teams that need it so desperately.
Representatives from the various groups will collaborate on seeking methods to expedite routing and the arduous paperwork process at Aduana (Mexican Customs).
The first shipment, with a value of three million dollars, was divided among 16 villages. The next shipment appears to be nearly three times that size.
The group is hoping to expand their mission to include medical supplies and equipment for free area medical clinics. Shipments from the United States are being added, as the paperwork continues to pile up.
The group notes that their mission is open ended and welcomes experts in various fields. They hope to spread out beyond the north shore area to help outfit firefighters and paramedics across Jalisco and ultimately all of Mexico. Toward that end, the group has applied for A.C. (non-profit) status.
The most urgent current need is for people with public relations or fund-raising experience who can contact large companies to assist with shipping costs. All the materials being shipped are donated by firefighting companies and other groups north of the border. The work to bring these shipments to Mexico is all done by volunteers. The biggest cost is shipping, which adds up to about $US4,000 dollars per load.
While local fundraising has helped to defray some of the costs, additional expenses and shipment fees are anticipated.
Those who can help in any way are asked to contact the local group’s chairman, John Kelly, at (376) 766-0422 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.