The Rotary Club of Foster City’s Humanitarian trip to Mazatlan, Mexico (November 11 – 15, 2009)

Rotary’s spirit of giving was strongly reflected this week at Foster City’s ninth annual distribution of wheelchairs. Members of the Rotary Club of Foster City, under the direction of Club President Linda Grant and District 5150 Governor Riki Intner, were joined by members of the Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Novato, San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf, and Scottsdale, AZ Clubs, as well as three Clubs of the City of Mazatlan, Mexico. Family and friends accompanied many members for a total of 78 attendees. Of particular significance was the attendance of 16 Interactors, representing San Mateo, Half Moon Bay and the S. F. Jewish Community High Schools.

While highlighted as a wheelchair distribution trip, the Rotary Club of Foster City also presented the city with two ambulances and a handicap accessible van. They were presented at a meeting with the Mayor of Mazatlan, Lic. Jorge Abel Lopez Sanchez. The ambulances and van had been previously driven down by Rotarians. The Rotary Club of Foster City, in cooperation with American Medical Response and Bayshore Ambulance, donated these vehicles. The trip also included visits to orphanages and the Mazatlan elementary schools that Rotarians sponsor.

At the orphanages, clothing, toys, candy and the like were distributed to the children. Rotarians had the opportunity to view and learn about the facilities, but the most joy was found by watching the children as they picked out a piece of clothing and a toy or two. These they immediately cherished and held on to tightly as they laughed and played with the visitors. The energy level was high and shared by all.

The Interactors and Rotarians visited many schools. They brought supplies, painted classrooms, and spent time with the children. They came away with lists of items still needed, and we are starting the process for another grant next year to continue our support.

Then came the highlight of the trip: The visit to the German Evers Stadium, where families with needy members were already waiting to receive their new red wheelchairs, ordered and delivered through the Wheelchair Foundation.

Rotarians unpacked and assembled the wheelchairs and fitted them to the individuals in need. But the best was yet to come. We conducted personal visits to the homes of shut-ins in need of a wheelchair, accompanied by small groups of Rotarians. There was heartbreak and joy, mingled with tears.

Weary Rotarians and Interactors arrived home late at night on Day 5. There was a sense of accomplishment and a grateful thank you for all the time and effort put into the planning by Foster City President Linda Grant, supported by her husband, Jon Grant, and with the strong support of former Mazatlan Rotary Club President Jose de Jesus Sanchez Reynoso, known to all of us as Pepesan.