|
|
|
|
|
Helping Out After Wilma 2005 |
|
NOTE: Even though this section of information was prepared just after Wilma in 2005, it remains on the website as a good guide to use for providing assistance following any storm.
American Community Services has received many requests for information how to help the Cozumel community recover from Hurricane Wilma.
One of the best ways you can support Cozumel is to plan to travel to the island and encourage your friends to do so. Tourism is the lifeblood of the island. Islanders have worked tirelessly to prepare for the return of tourists beginning November 14th. The sooner visitors come to the island, the quicker the economic impact of Wilma will lessen for businesses and the local people so they can return to their jobs and stabilize their lives. Although some airlines have reduced or cancelled flights to Cozumel until the holidays or later when some of the major resorts will re-open, it is still possible to find flights to Cozumel as well as Cancun. Lodging is available in downtown and mid-town hotels, B & Bs and rental villas. This is a great time to experience the true spirit of Cozumel. You'll be welcomed with open arms!
Following are other ways to support Cozumel's recovery from Wilma. The first one listed is a separate fundraising effort to help individuals in the dive industry. The last four are well established community organizations that benefit the local people or their furry friends. Donations can be made to representatives for each of these efforts or through American Community Services who will ensure donations are distributed according to the donor's desires. Email: acs@cozumelinsider.comCozumel Relief – "Divers Helping Divers" is a grassroots effort to provide direct financial support to Cozumel dive masters, captains and dive workers affected by Hurricane Wilma. This fund was originally set up by divers at www.scubadiving.com after Hurricane Emily and is now operating to help people that have provided many of us with great dive trips. All funds will be accounted for by Christi Courtney who lives on Cozumel and runs the Blue XTSea dive operation. For more information or if you wish to make a donation visit: www.cozumelrelief.com
Cozumel Chrysalis Group – Provides educational support to ensure children from families with very limited resources are able to attend public school. Chrysalis accepts donations of school supplies from their Wish List, new and gently used clothing, and monetary donations. Chrysalis is a Mexican non-profit organization. Email: cozkids@hotmail.com For more information or if you wish to make a donation visit: The Chrysalis Website
Cozumel Cruz Roja (Red Cross) – In addition to disaster relief, the Red Cross provides the only 24-hour ambulance service on the island, vital emergency and clinical services to local citizens and tourists. The Wish List of medical supplies is coordinated by Deb Bollag, Cruz Roja's US Coordinator. She also collects/processes US $ donations (next scheduled for week of 12/5) via PayPal, VISA, Mastercard, EFT/ACH and checks free of charge. Deb's Email: pcpny@earthlink.net Donors who prefer to wire peso-denominated donations directly to Cruz Roja's account may request info from Deb or acs@cozumelinsider.com Cuidad de Angeles – Is a Christian children's home for orphaned, abandoned, abused and needy children from Cozumel and the Yucatan peninsula. They accept monetary donations and have a published Wish List of needs for the children. It is a 501(3c) non-profit organization; donations are tax deductible. For more information or to make a donation visit: www.ciudaddeangeles.org or email: director@ciudaddeangeles.org
Humane Society of Cozumel – Is a non-profit animal shelter/clinic. A veterinarian and vet technician provide basic veterinary services at a low cost and spay/neuter surgeries for a donation. The clinic also offers a pet adoption program and humane euthanasia when needed. Financial donations and supplies from their Wish List are appreciated. For more information visit: Humane Society or email: pets@humanecozumel.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
|
|