The Highway to Mexico project involves the delivery of vehicles (buses, ambulances, fire trucks) and firefighting equipment to Mazatlan, Mexico and the surrounding region. Mazatlan has a population of over 700,000 and although it has a good tourist trade, many of its citizens, schools and the Fire Departments are in need of assistance.

The Rotary Club of Edson along with the 3 Grande Prairie Rotary Clubs have donated 80+ vehicles since the start of the project in 2002. Along with the vehicles they have delivered firefighting equipment, school supplies, computers and first aid equipment; The Canadian clubs work very closely with the Rotary Clubs of Mazatlan.

Past President Kirsten MacDonald said “this project has such a tremendous impact on so many lives and of course we appreciate the dedication of our Volunteer drivers each year.

The 5000 km trip from Edson to Mazatlan is a grueling trip for the drivers with over 10 days on the road; however, it is worthwhile once the Rotarians are able to provide the Mexican firefighters with the equipment and knowledge to protect the property and lives of the people in their communities. This project has a dramatic impact on the quality of life of people in the Mazatlan region. Visit our Facebook page for more current photos and updates on our yearly Highway to Mexico

2014 Update

We are pleased to announce that we have received a generous donation of a Fire Truck from the County of Grande Prairie Fire Department for the Highway to Mexico Project.

The Fire Truck was graciously donated by the County of Grande Prairie Fire Department.  The Rotary Club of Edson will be delivering the Fire Truck and much needed firefighting equipment to the firefighters of Mazatlan. The City of Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche County, Nova Chemicals, and the M.D. of Smoky River Fire Departments have donated an extensive amount of fire hose, fire equipment, helmets, boots and protective clothing. Morad Communications of Edson and Hinton has contributed mobile radios which are used by the Rotarians to communicate between vehicles on the trip to Mazatlan. Once in Mazatlan, the radios are donated to a Fire Department for emergency communications.

This year, six vehicles (three Fire Trucks, 2 ambulances and a school bus) will be driven from Alberta to Mazatlan by a team of volunteer Rotarians from Grande Prairie and Edson with 2 drivers per vehicle. It takes about 1 week to make the 5000 km trip to Mazatlan. Once there, the vehicles and equipment are provided to the communities most in need.  Edson Rotarians Shari McDowell and Murray Heinrich will be the drivers of the Fire Truck. Heinrich will also provide training of the firefighters in Mazatlan.  The group will depart from Edson on March 6, 2013.

2023 Update

We are pleased to announce we have received a firetruck from Barrhead Fire Department for the 2023 Highway to Mexico. This year our drivers are Kevin and Raul who will be making the drive down with several other Rotary Clubs from Grande Prairie.  The Rotary Club of Edson will be delivering the Fire Truck and much needed firefighting equipment to the firefighters of Mazatlan where the truck will then be delivered to a neighboring community in need.