 MISE À JOUR • Octobre 2025  RAPPORT DU PRÉSIDENT par Kevin Dilamarter  Il y a près de trois ans, ma famille et moi avons entamé notre premier séjour prolongé à San Miguel de Allende. Au Mexique, je cherchais une occasion de mettre à profit mon expérience acquise au sein du gouvernement et d’organismes sans but lucratif. C’est ainsi que j’ai découvert une organisation canadienne respectée et digne de confiance : Amistad Canada. Peu après, j’ai rejoint le conseil d’administration et j’occupe désormais le poste de présidente. Notre mission me passionne et je me réjouis de travailler à vos côtés pour poursuivre notre action essentielle qui change concrètement la vie des personnes que nos projets accompagnent. Ayant eu l’occasion de rencontrer davantage de nos partenaires et bénévoles, je suis toujours profondément touchée par le dévouement et la générosité qui animent AC et nos ONG partenaires. Notre succès témoigne de l’esprit de collaboration qui règne au sein de notre communauté. Merci ! Je suis particulièrement enthousiaste à l’idée d’échanger avec un plus grand nombre de nos partenaires, bénévoles, membres et donateurs dans les mois à venir, que ce soit lors d’événements ou par le biais de conversations directes. J’aimerais beaucoup savoir ce qui vous motive à vous impliquer, ce qui fonctionne bien et comment nous pouvons renforcer AC et nos projets. Ensemble, nous pouvons continuer à avoir un impact positif et réaliser de plus grandes choses pour nos projets à travers le Mexique. En cette période de l’Action de grâces, nous sommes profondément reconnaissants envers l’incroyable communauté qui rend possible le travail essentiel d’Amistad Canada. Un immense merci à nos partenaires ONG dévoués, à nos bénévoles et à nos généreux donateurs. Votre collaboration, vos efforts et votre soutien continu ont un impact considérable et nous permettent de venir en aide à des milliers de personnes à travers le Mexique. Amistad Canada et Caminos de Agua A.C. étendent leur projet d’accès à l’eau potable afin d’y inclure des systèmes de traitement des eaux souterraines, en plus des systèmes de récupération des eaux de pluie.  Dans les zones rurales de Guanajuato, des milliers de familles dépendent d’une eau souterraine dangereusement contaminée par de l’arsenic et du fluorure d’origine naturelle. Les conséquences sanitaires sont catastrophiques. L’exposition prolongée au fluorure provoque une fluorose dentaire et squelettique irréversible, entraînant des douleurs chroniques, des déformations osseuses, un handicap physique, des retards de développement, une baisse du QI, des troubles d’apprentissage et des lésions rénales. L’arsenic est associé aux cancers de la peau, de la vessie, du poumon et du rein, ainsi qu’à l’insuffisance rénale chronique, aux maladies cardiovasculaires et à d’autres problèmes de santé. Dans le seul bassin versant du Haut Río Laja, qui abrite environ 740 000 personnes, des dizaines de milliers d’individus sont exposés à des niveaux dangereux d’arsenic et de fluorure. Les systèmes de traitement des eaux souterraines (GTS) de Caminos de Agua offrent une solution communautaire et adaptable à ce problème répandu, grâce à un processus de traitement en plusieurs étapes. Gérés et détenus par la communauté, ces systèmes bénéficient du soutien de Caminos qui assure la formation, l’expertise technique et le suivi nécessaires pour garantir l’autonomie opérationnelle et financière de chaque projet en deux ans. Grâce au soutien de la Fondation de la famille Arrell, en partenariat avec Amistad Canada, Caminos de Agua continuera de construire au moins un nouveau système de traitement des eaux souterraines (GTS) chaque année, déployant ainsi un modèle qui non seulement fournit de l’eau potable, mais renforce également le leadership et la résilience de la communauté. Plus d’informations ICI Jóvenes Adelante accueille la promotion 2026  Après un processus de sélection rigoureux de six mois, 47 nouveaux étudiants de licence et six étudiants de master rejoignent l’équipe, soit la plus importante promotion depuis la création de JA en 2001, il y a près de 25 ans. Plus d’informations ICI 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 | |
