Cheryl Vaughan, Treasurer
Grupo Pro Sayulita
 
Last Sunday morning, my husband Richard and I left for San Miguel de Allende in between the two storms. We drove past San Pancho and saw many people standing on the other side of where the bridge had once been. After arriving, we heard that the more rains came, things were bad, and we didn’t know what to do. Should we go back to help? Could we even get there? Many emails later, we learned that many, many people felt just like we did – helpless. That is when I thought of a way to help – start a Relief Fund. A quick email to the board of GPS and with their approval a letter was in El Sayulero.
 

One week later, we have received donations totaling $23,604.32 from 124 people. To all of you we extend our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks. What has been accomplished so far?
 
Before I answer that I have to thank from the bottom of my heart the people who so willingly volunteered to lead a group that would help GPS determine needs, purchase and distribute necessary items, and daily report back what happened that day and what they needed for the next day’s work.
 
This team was Tamra Koch, Dr Moy Cuevas, and Gina Portillo who in my opinion exemplify the spirit of Sayulita and worked tirelessly to help and coordinate the relief efforts. Because most of the board was not in Sayulita we could not have done anything without the efforts of these extraordinary community minded people.
 
As our letter requesting donations stated, we would first focus on medical needs and emergencies, food, water and shelter. I do not have final figures for these items but we have spent close to $6000 usd so far.
 

• A central location was established where food, water, and clothing was distributed.

• A door to door survey was conducted to determine how people were and what they needed and a mattress count was made. These mattresses are presently being distributed.

• A cleanup crew consisting of volunteers and 10 men hired by GPS and coordinated by Tamra Koch, have completed the job of digging out homes, cars, and businesses. This is another group that I cannot thank enough!

• The two day care centers in town have provided a list of needs to be able to reopen their doors and this project is in process under the coordination of Dr Moy.
  

Now that our first focus is complete, our next phase is to do another door to door survey. This time we will ask what repairs are needed in people’s homes. After this is compiled, our team will decide what we can do to help. We know we cannot rebuild homes since we simply do not have enough money but for example, we can repair electrical outlets that were under water and no longer work. This door to door survey will be completed by the middle of next week.
 
If you know of anyone in need, please continue to bring them to our attention by emailing me at CherylVaughan@hotmail.com.  You can also email me with other questions and I will answer as quickly as I can…I have to admit I am a bit behind in answering my emails.
 
The other concern is the rebuilding of the bridges. At this point and after board member, Marcos Scott spoke with Rodrigo Pena, we will wait for the government to have time to act. We are committed to help if asked but believe that our new bridge will be even better than our previous one. Mr Pena said it will be done within 45-60 days. GPS will continue to monitor the infrastructure needs.
 
I will keep careful records and there will be a full and complete accounting of every penny that has been donated. Thank you again to so many for so much.