A team of more than two dozen Canadian doctors, nurses and volunteer assistants arrived at lakeside on November 2 to participate in a 12-day medical mission to aid underprivileged families.
The project was co-sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Festival City Stratford, Ontario and Rotary Club of Ajijic.
During their stay, the Good Samaritans ran free health care clinics at the Tepehua Clinica para Mujeres, the CRREAD rehab center, Preparatoria Chapala, and community centers in the towns of Mezcala and San Pedro Itzican. Services ranged from general medical evaluations, laboratory analysis and dental care, to eyeglass fittings and hand-outs of basic medications.
The visitors overcame various troubles along the way, including flight delays en route, confiscation of supplies by customs officers at the Guadalajara airport, a streak of inclement weather and language barriers in communicating with nearly 250 patients of all ages. Nonetheless, they left in high spirits, buoyed by the deep gratitude of humble Mexican citizens benefiting from their humanitarian efforts.