Corazon building Project May 2014
Mammoth Lakes Noon Rotary Club organized a group of nearly 50 volunteers including Rotary Club of Bishop members DeEtte Johnston and Anneke Bishop, students and friends Kelly Pfeiler, Keirsten Anderson, Jackie and Maritza Garcia, Sarah Barba, Alison and Ian Bishop all joined in with volunteers to build a house in one day in the Village of Serra Azul, 12 kilometers south of the border. They left Saturday May 3rd and spent the night in El Cajon. Sunday everyone returned home, tired but happy and satisfied. The crew has a safety briefing from the lead builders and start working. The materials are moved off the slab and cutting begins. The only power tools used are saws and they are restricted to the lead builders and one or two very experienced volunteers. The walls are framed and sheeted with plywood and raised in place. The windows are installed and the roof rafters go up and are sheeted. The loft is constructed and everything is painted. All of this occurs before lunchtime! After lunch, it’s back to work. The roofing material is installed, the kitchen counter goes in, trim is installed, and more painting. The house is usually finished between 3 and 5 pm. The houses have no electricity or water, but are a solid residence for the occupants.
. Among the volunteers was Vicki Puliz, the District Governor of Rotary District 5190. DeEette Johnston and Anneke Bishop reported to the club that they didn’t expect the 90+ degree heat but were able to get the job completed. The project concluded with a simple but moving ceremony where the keys to the new home were presented to the Estrada-Villa family who had donated hundreds of hours of community service before becoming eligible for a home.
For further information on the Corazon, Inc, non-profit organization from Orange County, their website is: Corazon.org.