When folks of different nationalities and all walks of life link up across borders to accomplish a great task that ultimately benefits thousands of people who face life-threatening emergency situations, it’s a good reason for celebration.
After a six-month effort to work out tricky logistics and process government paperwork, the Lakeside Fire and Red Cross Assistance Group received a huge shipment of goods and materials donated by Toronto Firefighters and Canada’s Firefighters without Borders to dedicated first responders working with limited resources in 16 Jalisco communities.
The load of firefighting and medical equipment, uniforms, safety gear and other inventory arrived in Chapala in mid-March. The contents have now been distributed to emergency workers in Chapala, Jocotepec, Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos, Atotonilquillo, Poncitlan, Jamay, La Barca, Tototlan, Atotonilco el Alto, Juanacatlán, Jesus Maria, Tuxcueca, Tizapan el Alto, Manzanilla de la Paz, Amatitan and Guadalajara.
With all the grunt work finally done, the group threw a big bash on Wednesday, April 15 at the Hotel Real to salute firefighters, paramedics, volunteers and supporters who were involved in the organization and arduous arrangements. Honored guests at the luncheon and appreciation ceremony included Canadian Consul Francis Uy, Jalisco Civil Protection Director Jose Trinidad Lopez and businessmen Jasun Mills and Alfredo Bentivoglio of e-Sun Energy, the group’s first corporate sponsor.
Project leaders Doug Scrimgeour and John Kelly and the loyal Assistance Group team are not about to rest on their laurels. They are already lining up a second shipment of additional materials valued at ten million dollars. To request full details or pledge contributions to the transportation fund, contact Kelly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..