Cruz Roja Chapala employees met with the organization’s board of directors September 30 to hear the bad news about the delegation’s inability to meet its October 1 payroll obligation.
“We were able to pay the invoices for medicine, telephone and fuel this Monday but we weren’t able to satisfy any payroll,” said board treasurer Lori Burnworth.
The number of employees who will work voluntarily is unknown at this time but maintaining at least a skeleton crew appears to be possible, at least for a few weeks. “Should we be unable to maintain a skeleton staff, the shutdown will begin with the midweek closure of the clinic, elimination of x-ray availability and, finally, total closure,” Burnworth said.
The largest fixed cost area, the ambulance service, will continue with the two vehicles that are still in operating condition.
Since an urgent call for assistance was made several weeks ago, many businesses and individuals have stepped up with cash and in-kind services but much more is needed. Around 300,000 pesos is required immediately to pay overdue bills and meet the missed payroll, as well as the next one due on October 15.
Actions for immediate relief include an early start to the annual “collecta” (collection), normally held during the four weeks surrounding Easter.
“We can’t wait until then so we’ll do it now,” said board vice president Norm Pifer.
Off-duty Cruz Roja employees will be dressed in working attire and collecting cash donations.
“We encourage the public to contribute only to those workers on the street with the the official containers,” said Pifer. (See photo)
“We are also actively pursuing the municipalities served by Cruz Roja Chapala – Chapala, Ixtlahuacan, Poncitlan, Jocotepec, Tizapan el Alto and Tuxcueca – as well as the Pan American Games coordinating committee and state and national Red Cross to avoid a shutdown before the games.”
A golf tournament, auction and other activities planned by the International Volunteers will go ahead as scheduled.
In addition, Cruz Roja volunteers are selling tickets for the Plaza Bugambilias Cinema at half price (10 pesos), with the proceeds going to Cruz Roja.
Another planned fundraising event is an equestrian competition on Sunday, October 30, while a door-to-door solicitation for pledges is currently underway.
Receipts and commitment forms are available at the Cruz Roja volunteer table at the Lake Chapala Society. U.S. dollar deductible donations can be made through CRVIC, Inc.
For more information about how you can aid Cruz Roja at this critical time, contact Charlie Klestadt at 766-3671, Lori Burnworth at 766-0460 or Norm Pifer at 766-0616. They will be happy to arrange for donation pick up.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
