Posted on October 13th, 2025
 UPDATE • October 2025  PRESIDENT’S REPORT by Kevin Dilamarter  Nearly three years ago my family and I started our first extended stay in San Miguel de Allende. While in Mexico, I was looking for an opportunity to make use of experience gained working in government and not-for-profits. In that search I found a respected and trusted Canadian organization: Amistad Canada. Soon after, I joined the board and have now taken on the role as President. I’m truly passionate about our mission and look forward to working alongside all of you to further our important work that is making a tangible difference in the lives of those our projects serve. As I’ve had a chance to meet more of our partners and volunteers, I continue to be incredibly touched by the dedication and generosity that fuels AC and our Project Partner NGOs. Our success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community, thank you! I’m particularly excited to connect with many more of our partners, volunteers, members and donors in the coming months, whether at upcoming events or through direct conversations. I’d love to hear about what inspires your involvement, what’s working well and opportunities to strengthen AC and our projects. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact and achieve even greater things for our projects across Mexico. This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible community that makes Amistad Canada’s vital work possible. A huge thank you to our dedicated NGO partners, volunteers, and generous donors. Your collaboration, efforts, and continued support have a powerful impact, enabling us to serve thousands across Mexico. Amistad Canada and Caminos de Agua A.C. are expanding our Clean Water Access Project to include Groundwater Treatment systems in addition to Rainwater Harvesting systems.  In rural Guanajuato, thousands of families depend on groundwater that is dangerously contaminated with naturally occurring arsenic and fluoride. The health consequences are devastating. Long-term exposure to fluoride causes irreversible dental and skeletal fluorosis, leading to chronic pain, bone deformities, physical disability, developmental delays, reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and kidney damage. Arsenic is associated with skin, bladder, lung, and kidney cancers, as well as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions. In the Upper Río Laja watershed alone—home to roughly 740,000 people—tens of thousands are exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic and fluoride. Caminos de Agua’s Groundwater Treatment Systems (GTS) provide a scalable, community-based solution to this widespread problem using a multi-stage treatment process. They are community-owned and operated, with Caminos proving training, technical expertise and monitoring to ensure that each project is both operationally and financially self-sustaining within two years. With the support of the Arrell Family Foundation, working in partnership with Amistad Canada, Caminos de Agua will continue building at least one new GTS each year—scaling a model that not only delivers safe water, but also strengthens community leadership and resilience. More information HERE Jóvenes Adelante welcomes the Class of 2026  After an arduous six-month application process, 47 new undergrads and six Master’s students are joining the roster, the largest class since JA began in 2001, almost 25 years ago. More information HERE La Biblioteca SMA has begun a program called Un día en la Biblioteca designed to introduce children from challenged communities in rural San Miguel to the heart of the city’s cultural life. So far, 49 students along with sis mothers and two teachers, have spent a full day experiencing storytime, hands-on activities in the reading rooms, designing beginner projects in the computer lab, and creating personalized Biblioteca cards with their own portraits. More information on that and other programs HERE ProMusica has renamed its Youth Orchestra the Rising Stars Orchestra to reflect the fact that the young musicians are on the cusp of professional careers, refining the orchestra to focus on the quality of playing, rather than maximizing the number of musicians in it. The current ensemble comprises about 25 of the most talented 18- to 28-year-old musicians drawn from the states of Guanajuato and Queretaro. Renowned San Miguel maestro Mauro Ledesma returns as Music Director & Principal Conductor of a season focused on classic works from the Baroque and Romantic periods, such as Haydn and Mozart. One of the highlights will be a performances of the Mozart and Salieri Requiems on the Day of the Dead, at ProMusica’s annual Gala Fundraiser on February 3 and at the March Garden Concert. More information and a preview video HERE.  Wondering what else our 16 Project Partner NGOs have been up to? Here are links to some of their recent annual reports, newsletters, social media posts etc.: 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: In support of Tepoz Rosa in Tepotzlan:  Tuesday, October 21… WHAT’S THE STORY? The Power and Alchemy of Art. All works of art have a story to tell. Art historian Janet Dawson will take the audience on a fascinating and humourous visual journey exploring a wide range of narratives with images drawn from biblical themes, Greek and Roman myths and legends, epic history scenes, works of protest, resistance, passion and love. Tickets HERE. Sunday, October 26… DELECTABLE ENCOUNTERS: Art, Food & Day of the Dead. Janet Dawson, a resident of Tepoztlan in the state of Morelos, looks at this cultural festival through a freigners eyes, as a participant  observer offering a variety of images that have intrigued, delighted and moved her in the years since she invited her own ancestors to come to the party. More information and tickets HERE. Wednesday, October 22… La Biblioteca SMA presents a special House & Garden Tour of a countryside hacienda that’ll transport you to another world. The inspiration for the whole house was a 17th-Century chapel, in fact the family room is the original chapel. The villa features eight beautifully appointed guest suites and an enchanting hillside of meandering stone paths, pergolas and intimate seating areas. $1,800 pesos per person includes transportation and refreshments served on the main patio after the house tour. Tickets available at la Biblioteca, Insurgentes 25, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. Sat 10am-2pm or online HERE  Thursday, October 23rd, 5pm at la Biblioteca SMA… A free presentation and book signing with artist Erica Daborn who collaborated with Caminos de Agua to create Dialogues with Mother Earth. More information HERE. In support of Programa por Niños Incapacitadosin Ajijic/Lakeside:  Thursday, October 23… The Ajijic Caberet Troupe presents BEWITCHED, featuring songs of seduction, mystery, drama, and enchantment in a mix of music styles from Rock to Broadway to girl bands. At El Bar Co. Two shows at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets 500 MXN from Ajijic.Cabaret@gmail.com Saturday, October 25… A Spirit Social, 7:30pm at Casa del Sol Inn. Get into the spirit of the season with an evening of spooky fun, lively conversation, and spirited refreshments! Tickets 600 MXN HERE. Saturday, October 25… A Spirit Social, 7:30pm at Casa del Sol Inn. Get into the spirit of the season with an evening of spooky fun, lively conversation, and spirited refreshments! Tickets 600 MXN HERE Tuesday, December 2… The BIGGEST PARTY of the YEAR, la Fiesta de Navidad at La Nueva Posada, Ajijic. And, on Friday, December 12… Sinatra’s Birthday Bash at El Bar Co. Celebrate Sinatra’s birthday by listening to his hits! Tickets for both at www.programaninos.com  Sunday, October 26… Feed the Hungry‘s annual Walk-Bike-Run Challenge. More information and register HERE. (Due to Dia de Muertos falling on the usual Heart to Heart Bazaar date, there won’t be a sale in November. Instead, there’ll be a special two-day event on December 6 & 7.)  Thursday, November 6, 6:30pm at Club Gold Malaquin… Royal Gala: Havana Nights, an unforgettable night of elegance, celebration, and purpose filled with the vibrant rhythms, colours, and spirit of Cuba. Join us for dining, music and dancing all in support of Patronato pro Niños. Info & tickets ($US 150) available HERE And, the Royal Gala Online Auction is now live. Bidding closes on Friday, November 7 at 5pm CST  Wednesday, November 19… the 1st Annual Mujeres en Cambio Community Service Award. The inaugaral honoree is Susan Page, founder of 100 Women Who Care, a philanthropy cooperative that supports local non-profits, including Mujeres en Cambio. Live music with David Mendoza! Tickets available at: Casa Nectar & Camino Silvestre. And, save the date… Tuesday, January 13, from 4:30-6pm there will be a Special Canadian Tour of la Biblioteca followed by a cocktail reception. Join us to learn about the history of the historic building and organization, founded in 1954 by Canadian citizen Helen Wale. The tour will include a visit to the classrooms where art and music students receive instruction thanks to our collaboration with Amistad Canada. Afterwards, stay for refreshments in the Patio. More info to follow.  For a calendar of events at la Biblioteca SMA and to buy tickets, click HERE. SAVE THE DATES:  Friday, January 16… BLUES AT BOCANA fundraiser for Un Nuevo Amanecer, Huatulco. Continuing the tradition of celebrating outstanding women in music, this year’s featured artist will be Cat Wells—a Canadian blues artist, vocalist, and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and expressive stage presence. Thanks to the money raised at last year’s concert UNA was able to provide 15% more children and adolescents with the specialized care and support they need to thrive. More information will be posted HERE. January 17… Jóvenes Adelante’s Congress 3.0. This annual event brings current students, graduates, new applicants and their parents, mentors, tutors, sponsors and guests together. And, on February 17… JA’s 2025 Annual Meeting celebrating 25 years!  HELP WANTED La Biblioteca SMA is looking for volunteer English as a Second Language teachers for Mexican children, teenagers and adults. Develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in beginners and intermediate students. Experience as an ESL Teacher is an asset and a six-month commitment – from January to June – is requested. There are three groups: -Saturday Group A, Teenagers and adults = 1h30 weekly (10.30am-12pm) -Saturday Group B, Teenagers and adults = 1h30 weekly (10.30am-12pm) -and, a weekday to be determined, Children 6- to 9-years old for one hour after school. Contact Alondra Vázquez, Coordinator of Classes and Workshops: clases@labibliotecapublica.org––– La Catalina Foundation is recruiting an English teacher for its kindergarten and primary classes in La Manzanilla. Contact via WhatsApp: 315-114-2741––– The ProMusica Academy of Music (based at la Biblioteca) is looking for a volunteer Director to take over from founder Kathy Snodgrass, who’s retiring. The new Director will work with Pro Musica President Michael Pearl, to expand the academy and to keep it running smoothly. The position will provide an exciting opportunity to be part of youth education in San Miguel, working with the Biblioteca, children, their parents, and Pro Musica. It’s not an intensive job that requires a lot of time, as teaching is only on Saturdays, and the director doesn’t need to be present at the teaching sessions on an ongoing basis. The main qualities we are seeking are enthusiasm and commitment. The new director should have at least some conversational Spanish and a basic understanding of classical music. For more information, contact Michael Pearl at promusicasma@gmail.com 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. One of the most important aspects of the ‘due diligence’ that governs 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 a team of volunteers 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 nancyd.bradshaw@gmail.com  Facebook Group Website YouTube Please note that, over the next few months, AC will be transitioning from a Facebook GROUP to a Facebook PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/amistadcanada | |
