In an effort to stand at the forefront in transparency, the Cruz Roja Chapala Consejo (board of directors) has instituted a new policy to share its financial records with the public.
“We are publishing the income and expense figures for 2014 and the first half of 2015 at this time” reports Consejo president Norm Pifer. “We will release figures quarterly and be available to answer any questions our supporters may have.”
The accounting statements, shown in the box to the left, break down income sources and expenditures into general categories.
Pifer points out that salaries paid to staff who operate the ambulances and emergency clinic around the clock top the spending ledger, with costs for vehicle fuel and maintenance making up the second highest block.
On the income side, the bulk of earnings come from the foreign community channeled through Cruz Roja International Volunteers Chapala (CRIVC) fundraising activities such as raffles, the October Thriller event and the annual November golf tournament. Recuperation of charges for x-ray and emergency services accounts for the second level of replacement expense income.
What is not captured in the financial figures are contributions of material and labor for vehicle and building maintenance provided by the Mexican community and the veterans (former employees) organization that volunteers to complete much of this work.
CRIVC will post pertinent financial data on the organization’s website www.cruzrojachapala.com. Questions regarding operating income and expense details may be directed to Pifer and treasurer Chick Twyman at 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..