Helping Hands - From One Country to Another
Tijuana Home Build
Reaching across international boundaries is something Rotary does. And helping less fortunate families is something Rotary does very well. Recently, a group of about 25 Rotarians from two of the Escondido clubs traveled to Mexico to build a house for one of those families, and we did it in one day.
The project was a joint effort organized by Project Mercy. Manpower and funding was provided by the Escondido Sunrise and Escondido After 5 clubs, with the Mexicali Rotary Club also helping in the construction. As the keys to their new home were given to them, Sofia, with her grandchildren Elizabeth, David and Samantha stood in disbelief and joy. Food items and toys for the kids were given to the family as well.
This was a very gratifying experience for those of us who were able to help, but we should all be proud as Rotarians to be a part of this effort. It is only one example of how we are striving to fulfill the goal of this year’s theme – “Rotary Serving Humanity”.
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Helping Hands - From One Country to Another
Reaching across international boundaries is something Rotary does. And helping less fortunate families is something Rotary does very well. On Saturday, January 28, 2017, President Doug, Secretary Gary and Trent joined a group of about 25 Rotarians from the Sunrise Club and the Mexicali Club, with others from Project Mercy in a day-long expedition to Mexico to build a house for one of those families.
The day starts at 5:30am with a giant Peterson’s Donut, and then it’s south to the border.
Turn right at this sign and then you’re there. Well, almost. This is where the adventure really begins…
With just a half mile to our destination, we immediately sink two of our trucks in the mud…
And blow the transmission on a third in an attempt to pull them out.
Most of the vehicles make it to the site and construction begins. After some of us lose about two hours, the trucks are dug out, jacked up and pulled out. Finally, the house-build resumes with the full crew.
Raising the (pre-painted) walls in the strong winds is quite a feat.
While the roof goes on, the inside is being painted, and the front door is installed.
Doug and Gary take a break.
The fascia is painted and the project is complete at 3:30pm.
The family is presented with the keys to their new home by Presidents Doug and Tony.
Sofia, with her grandchildren Elizabeth, David and Samantha stood in disbelief and joy. Food items and toys for the kids were given to the family as well.
This was a very gratifying experience for those of us who were able to help, but we should all be proud as Rotarians to be a part of this effort. It is only one example of how we are striving to fulfill the goal of this year’s theme – “Rotary Serving Humanity”.