Posted on May 2nd, 2025
| PRESIDENT’S REPORT by Mark O’Neill As I write this, a lot of Canadians have migrated back north for the warmer months, including many of the incredible team of over 50 Amistad Canada volunteers: The Executive and other Directors, Project Liaisons, Managers, & Auditors and all those who help out in other ways. On behalf of the thousands of Mexicans who benefit from their efforts, muchísimas gracias. And, of course, thank-you to our generous donors who gave a record $566,000 in 2024 bringing the total amount of money raised since AC launched in 2010 to just over $4,000,000 ! Not to forget the legions of those who volunteer directly for our 16 Project Partner NGOs, especially those who organized this past season’s impressive array of fund and friend-raising events.   Of particular note this year, long-time AC supporter Mark Krakowski funded an entire Feed the Hungry kitchen in the tiny community of Peña Blanca, about 30 minutes from SMA. Mark and a group of AC volunteers visited the new kitchen in March where he shared his personal experience “of survival, perseverance, and a profound understanding of what it means to go hungry. From being born in a displaced persons camp to carving out a life in Canada, Mark’s past shaped his commitment to helping others.” Read more of his story HERE.  The excursion to Mark’s kitchen was one of several opportunities for snowbird supporters to see the impact of their donations first-hand. Another crew visited the second community to receive an AC-funded clean water system from Caminos de Agua. There were also opportunities to meet la Biblioteca SMA, EEESMA, Jóvenes Adelante, Mujeres en Cambio, Catalina Foundation and Don Diego Foundation scholarship students, and hear some of Mexico’s best young opera singers at la Concurso de Opera San Miguel.  Speaking of music, La Catalina Foundation has launched a special AC-supported project for a very promising young La Manzanilla jazz guitarist and composer – Roberto David Maldonado Galván – who’s been accepted by the prestigous Berklee School of Music in Boston.HERE is more information and HERE is a video of the composition that won him a place at the school. Finally, and in the spirit of the Mexican constitutional rule that Presidents may only serve one six-year term, I’m delighted to report that VP Kevin Dilamarter has agreed to take on the job as AC’s President. He’ll be replaced as VP by Nancy Bradshaw. Those who don’t know Kevin and Nancy will have a chance to get acquainted at the upcoming AGM (see below). For my part, I’m looking forward to the Past-president role and full intend to remain involved as Amistad Canada continues to build support for Mexican health and education initiatives. Wondering what our 16 Project Partners have been up to? Here are links to their recent annual reports, newsletters, social media posts and the like: APAC (Assn. for People with Cerebral Palsy) La Biblioteca SMA Caminos de Agua La Fundación Catalina Don Diego Foundation EESMA School for the Deaf Feed the Hungry SMA Jóvenes Adelante Mujeres en Cambio Opera San Miguel Patronato pro Niños Programa pro Niños Incapacitados ProMusica SMA SOME-So Others May Eat Tepoz Rosa Un Nuevo Amanecer COMING EVENTS: May 3 and 29 in support of Programs pro Niños Incapacitados, Ajijic/Lakeside   For a calendar of May events at la Biblioteca SMA, click HERE. SAVE THE DATE: The Amistad Canada ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held (on Zoom) on Tuesday, June 17 at 5pm CST (8pm Atlantic, 7pm Eastern, 6pm Central Daylight, 5pm Mountain and 4pm Pacific). AC Members will receive the agenda and other documents ahead of time. Anyone who would like to be considered for Membership at the AGM should contact Secretary Paul Edmonds before June 10 HERE .  On July 12… a memorable evening of music and wine in an intimate atmosphere where the enchanting sounds of live music meet the rich ambiance of San Miguel de Allende. On November 6… a reprise of the Royale Gala at Club Malanquin. Last year’s gala was exciting, a night filled with exquisite food, fine wine and unforgettable moments. And, on the first Saturday of every month, from 10am-2pm: The Heart to Heart Bazaar features amazing deals on just about anything you need or want! All to benefit Patronato Pro Niños. More information HERE.  HELP WANTED Feed the Hungry SMA is recruiting Volunteer Drivers (with their own vehicles) to deliver food supplies to school kitchens in remote communities on Tuesday mornings throughout the school year. More info HERE or contact volunteers@feedthehungrysma.org––– Jóvenes Adelante welcomes English-speaking volunteers to provide extra practice for students in its ‘English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Tutoring Program’. Info HERE. It’s also recruiting new Mentors. Info HERE.––– Patronato pro Niños is looking for volunteer healthcare professionals to contribute skills and experience to making a difference in the lives of many children in and around San Miguel de Allende. Contact info@patronatoproninos.org And, the monthly PPN fundraising Heart to Heart Bazaar welcomes friendly, flexible and outgoing people to join the volunteer team; please contact Sunnie via WhatsApp: +1(512)671-0292.––– The ProMusica Academy is recruiting instructors to teach free string and woodwind classes to children ages 8 to 14 every Saturday at la Biblioteca SMA. If you know of, ideally, young Mexican musicians interested in teaching (for renumeration) contact Kathy at snodgrassna@hotmail.com or by WhatsApp, 415-100-8080.–––One of the most important aspects of ‘due diligence’ that governs the relationships between Amistad Canada and our Mexican Project Partner NGOs is the annual audit, conducted to assess how well the Project is meeting agreed-upon financial and program goals. The confidential audits are conducted by team of volunteers who come from various vocational and practical backgrounds. Their reports help the AC Board make informed decisions about the future of each Partnership. Auditors don’t need to be accountants nor attend the location of their NGO since the work can be done remotely. The job is not onerous nor overly time consuming; about 10-15 hours over a several week span. Training and templates are provided. To learn more about this gratifying volunteer opportunity, please contact Audit Manager Michael Dobbin at dobbin@thecreativecity.ca  Over the next few months, AC will be transitioning from a Facebook GROUP to a Facebook PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/amistadcanada |
