Firefighter's Fund

[CancunNurse]

Many people on this chat board know that I do alot of charity work in Cancun. I was the President of the International Women's Club, a group of women from all over the world that live in Cancun and do charity work for different organizations. I began Give A Toy Get A Smile in 2006, after Hurricane Wilma devastated Cancun. I collected toys from the tourists that came to visit and have been distributing toys, school supplies, shoes and clothing ever since! We have distributed over 3,000 toys over the last 5 years to many local groups including La Casita, The Little Yellow Schoolhouse on Isla Mujeres, Learning to Live with AIDS and HIV, La Casa de Esperanza Orphanage as well as many small pueblos around Cancun.
I have also been involved with the Bomberos de Cancun. In December, Give A Toy Get A Smile donated toys to the children of the firefighters for Christmas. The Chief was thrilled to have his men recognized and mentioned at the time that the equipment they were using was in really poor condition. They were using gardener's boots instead of fire-retardant boots. The coats and pants were terribly torn. They asked me if there was any way that I could help them find other equipment that was in better condition. Well, they asked the right person!
I was put in touch with Fire Chief John Stetter from Berlin, Wisconsin. He had "like new" equipment that he needed to get rid of since his department got new uniforms. We arranged through Yellow Freight, to have the uniforms shipped to Cancun. Normally, the price would be $2500 but they charged us less than half. Hyber is shipping from Florida to Cancun and only charging us a minimum. Between the two shipping companies, the cost will be $1300usd...HALF the normal price!

The equipment is going to cost $2,000usd. The estimated value of the equipment is over $18,000usd. We will be receiving 21 pairs of boots, 24 helmets, 35 bunker pants and 28 fire coats. These are all specially made and regulated by the fire departments in the US.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for our Fire Department. Now I know that if I hear the Fire trucks' siren, I know the men have the proper equipment to deal with the situation. I hope you agree with me that Cancun needs to institute a Fire Safety and Prevention Program in the schools. Prevention is the key. Through Give A Toy Get A Smile, I hope to start this invaluable program to keep the children of Cancun safe and well protected!
Señor Felix Diaz, the Chief of Proteccion Civil was also very happy to help us get the uniforms into Puerto Morelos and off to the Firemen in Cancun.
If you can, please support our local firefighters. If we get these sets paid for, Chief Stetter assured me he would contact other local fire departments to obtain as much equipment as we need to protect our firefighters. Thanks, in advance, to all that can help! Nancy

[V]

Good work, Nancy, in finding the equipment and managing the details of getting it here.

The equipment is going to cost $2,000usd.

...the cost [of shipping] will be $1300usd...HALF the normal price!

Can you give us more details about how the financial side of this is going to be handled? Are you planning to prepay, hoping for some degree of reimbursement from well-intentioned people, later; or, are you planning to see if you can get enough pledges of support, or actual contributions, before doing anything more, etc?

Please fill in the info gap for those who might wish to help.

[CancunNurse]

Hi V. Thank you for your interest. I have prepaid all of the expenses for the transportation. I have just received $150 dollars and $5000 pesos after much publicity on this issue. Chief Stetter is working with me and told me to hold off on his payment and to work on getting reimbursed for the transportation...I'm more or less handling everything all at once, hoping that if we get enough support, we can order additional equipment. Our initial cost for this shipment is $3,300usd (hopefully, no tax since it is a donation and I have the cooperation of Proteccion Civil). Every little bit helps! Cancun can depend on their firefighters....let's show them our support!

[CancunNurse]

Forgot to mention...I really couldn't wait until the donations would come in first fearing that the equipment might be given away. It had to be taken out of the US Fire Department and I didn't want to lose it...the reason I prepaid everything.

[V]

I'm sorry, CN, your use of "going to" and "will" in your first post, earlier today, made me think you were speaking of the future.

OK, let's see if I've got it right.

I have prepaid all of the expenses for the transportation.

If I'm following this, so far, you're into this project $1,300 for shipping, and you'd like to get reimbursed for it if possible.

Chief Stetter is working with me and told me to hold off on his payment and to work on getting reimbursed for the transportation...

He isn't requiring you to pay in advance for the equipment.

I really couldn't wait until the donations would come in first fearing that the equipment might be given away. It had to be taken out of the US Fire Department and I didn't want to lose it...

OK, let's see if I understand this. It appears the Chief has released the equipment to the shipper [without your having to pay for the equipment].

...(hopefully, no tax since it is a donation and I have the cooperation of Proteccion Civil). Every little bit helps!

You hope to clear the goods through Customs at Puerto Morelos, duty free...

...the Chief of Proteccion Civil was also very happy to help us get the uniforms into Puerto Morelos and off to the Firemen in Cancun.

...and you hope to have this man's help to accomplish that.

In any case, I'll be happy to contribute. I'm just trying to get a clearer picture of what has transpired, and what hasn't.
_______________________

[CancunNurse]

I totally understand, V. I didn't want to get anything going until I knew the uniforms were mine. Fund-raising has begun around Cancun for this important project and I am sure, within time, all of our firemen will be equipped with new uniforms. I thank you for clarifying everything for the people on the Board. I have learned so much, met so many and accomplished so much thanks to Steve and Cancuncare. I check frequently to see what's going on and there's never a question that someone doesn't have the answer to. I want to thank you for your support and hope we get a bunch of members from Cancuncare to follow your lead! My phone number is 998 204-0072 for anyone that would like to help. Nancy

[T.J.]

Nancy,

This is a great thing you are doing. After the two firefighters died at the Plaza Las Americas fire a few years ago, my firefighter friend, Eddie, who lived here at the time, and I, found out that the firefighters were using Scuba gear as a breathing apparatus. Together, through the generous donations of friends, and users of this Forum, we raised a significant amount of money for the families of the two firefighters who were killed. With the help of jenxxx, who got us access to the families, we presented the money directly to the families. No photos, no press, no nothing. Lots of hugs and lots of tears. We did not want to hand it over to some bureaucrat and have no idea of whether all, some or none of it got to where we intended it to go.

Then, through Eddie's contacts with the City of Boca Raton, FL FD and my contacts with the City of Orlando Fire Dept, we brought lots of very good conditioned jackets and pants similar to the kind you described. We were bringing 4-5 sets each, per month, in suitcases and duffle bags, as we traveled back and forth to FL. Through our personal contacts we were lucky enough to get these donated for free. Some went to Pto Morelos but most went to the station at the corner of Chichen Itza and Tulum. Tere is some connection between these two depts. This equipment is both heavy and bulky.

Here is what your work will hopefully accomplish. The equipment you are providing and that we provided, is the most basic of firefighting gear. This is the first thing that available funds go to purchase, after trucks and that sort of thing. Since you are donating these items, the FD funds that would normally be buying this type of equipment, can now be used for equipment that otherwise would not be acquired due to lack of money.

God Bless your efforts,
T.J.

[V]

Direct assistance like this, in the hands of a reliable person, has every advantage- it guarantees that money or gifts go for the intended purpose, and that resources not be lost in admin and advertising, such as is typical with institutional charities.

[elleboogs]

Wow, looks like I've logged in at the right time!!

Nancy - fantastic work arranging all of this, and getting things done so efficiently!!

I'll make a donation - let me know how. Paypal? Or can I drop it off somewhere....

Thanks and good luck

[CancunNurse]

I spoke with Hyber Shipping and the Uniforms will be on the boat tomorrow to arrive in Cancun next week between Tuesday and Thursday! Just have to go to Puerto Morelos to pick them up. Hopefully, everything will go easily and the Firemen will have some new equipment by the end of next week! YEAH!

[den&holly]

Another great cause you are working on. Let us know if you want help with the pick up. We are available - and you know Den would LOVE to take pictures for you!!

[CancunNurse]

You guys know you're ALWAYS welcome to join us in WHATEVER we're out and about doing!!!We're hoping to go down to Paamul with you to donate the books to the new library that was started there. Tell Den to get that camera a'chargin'!!!

[V]

Cancunnurse, can you give us an update on how this effort is going?

[CancunNurse]

Sure V,
I am in New York now and will be back next week. All of the monies were collected for the Firemen's Uniforms and the shipping. I went to Puerto Morelos to pick it up with the Fire Chief, and, of course, Aduanba had "issues". They said we needed more papaer work than we had. Two members of the Rotary Club came to my house and told me they would be able to get it out. Well, they weren't successful either. They wanted to ship it back to Laredo and then bring it in with the proper papaerwork. I have a friend in the Governement that is going to help me once I get back. Hopefully, this can be resolved without extra shipping and costs, once I get back....

[CancunNurse]

Sure V. All of the monies for the Firemen's Uniforms and the shipping were collected. I went with the Firemen to Puerto Morelos and of course, Aduana had "issues". They said we didn't have the proper paperwork. This was supposed to be take n care of but someone dropped the ball and it wasn't covered. Two men from the Rotarty Club came to my hous and said they can get it out. Well, they weren't successful either. They wanted to ship it back to Laredo and then bring it back in. In the meanwhile, I have a friend in the Government that's going to help me get it out. I am in New York till next week and once I return, this will be my priority. Hopefully, we can get their uniforms out of Aduana without any more costs...Keep your fingers crossed!

[Jim in Cancun]

Thanks for the update. Glad you got everything going. Not glad for all the crap they are giving. It is sooooo difficult to do the right things right here. Much easier to do them wrong. Grrrrrr

[V]

They said we didn't have the proper paperwork. This was supposed to be take n care of but someone dropped the ball and it wasn't covered.

What a shame. I'm under the impression its the shipping company that prepares the bill of lading, and puts in the codes that classifies a shipment for customs purposes. Wonder what went wrong?

Now, the shipment is running up storage charges while it sits there, in all likelihood.

[T.J.]

Too bad Nancy. That sucks.

When I was doing this after the fire at Plz las Americas we brought it in a suitcase or two at a time, just me and my retired firefighter friend Eddie Tippitt. But we were each making a trip a month to Florida anyway so not a real big deal.

Nonetheless, we always had to exlplain that it was used equipment and a gift for los bomberos. The sentiments were stronger then due to the death of the two young men who had inadequate equipment that cost them their lives.

Good luck. If I can still find the Comandante at Stn #1 I will be happy, but this was years ago. I know it is two different agencies but maybe the "I know a guy who knows a guy" thing could happen.

[CancunNurse]

The Bill of Lading WAS prepared by Hyde Shipping. They do this all the time so they KNEW exactly what was needed. It was all sent in...as a donation, as USED equipment, AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN! I LOVE MEXICO but sometimes it is SO FRUSTRATING to deal with life and death issues with absolutely NO COMPASSION from THEIR OWN PEOPLE...13 years in Mexico and still don't get it. Anyone out there able to explain this to me???

[V]

There's plenty that can go wrong with an international shipment that has nothing to do with it being Mexico. For example, what INCOTERM was used for the shipment, and what code was applied to it, under the Harmonized System for classifiying goods for customs purposes. Some of the documents used will reveal which were applied to this shipment

Equally important, who did the documents say the goods were to be delivered to. For many shipments meant to be for humanitarian purposes, it is necessary to disclose the end user of the goods in the documents, who must write a letter requesting the goods: this helps negate the implication that the goods are being cleared for resale.

There are many possible hangups that could account for a delay in customs clearance that would occur in almost any port around the world, if faced with the same issues. It's too bad this has happened with this shipment, and I hope it's not too difficult to resolve, in the end.

Here's a website that discusses some of the issues, including a need for an international sanitary certificate for used clothing and shoes.

http://www.globalhand.org/en/browse/...?noscript=true
________________________

[CancunNurse]

Off to Chetumal tomorrow to see if a good friend of mine can help to EXTRICATE these blasted uniforms. Keep your fingers crossed!

[CancunNurse]

Okay...once Rina passes, we'll start again. Hopefully, this time, I knocked on the right doors and have the proper people to help. Chetumal was useless....some special "locals" are seeing what can be done. Further updates will follow!

[Jim in Cancun]

Thanks for the update--and the patience!

[CancunNurse]

Thanks, Jim, for your support. I told my husband that my picture is going to appear as you come from the airport on the big billboards...."If you see this crazy gringa, give her what she wants! You'll save yourself alot of aggravation!" Translated into Spanish...GRINGA LOCA!

[CancunNurse]

Getting closer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still banging on alot of doors....!!!!!!!!!!!

[T.J.]

Cancun Nurse - Thanks for your loving gift to Casa Hogar. Coincidentally we almost simultaneously rec'd gifts of two VCR players. The kids are now enjoying the movies and cartoons.

God Bless you for all the good work you do in our community.

[CancunNurse]

Good Karma travels fast! Thanks for the nice words TJ!

[kellyfitz11]

Cancun nurse - Did the firefighters uniforms ever make it??? Is the International Womens Club you are the president of still active here in Cancun? That sounds like something I would love to be a part of! I am always looking for non profit or volunteer work to contribute to as well. Any information anyone can give me would be appreciated! Thanks.

[CancunNurse]

Kellyfitz11...PM me. I can give you all the information
you´d like. We are really a nice mix of women from all over the workd that enjoy helping our community to grow.
Give_A_Toy@yahoo.com
Thank you so much for helping me to go forward in getting the uniforms for our wonderful Firemen! Such brave men deserve nothing less.Give a Toy, Get A Smile (me) is giving toys to each of the children of the Firemen, up to the age of 15. I would love for you to be there to see the happy faces of the children and their parents. It´s a wonderful event and very heartwarming...you know you´ve made a difference in the life of a child. The party will be at the Tulum Avenue Firehouse at 5pm on December 23rd. Please join us...it´s a community celebration...All of the toys have been donated by the tourists that visit Cancun from the United States and Canada, as well as the International Women´s Club of Cancun. You´re sure to understand the meaning of the Christmas spirit after this experience. Nancy
PS...We´re hoping that Santa will also be there with the uniforms we have all been hoping for!

[T.J.]

Hey Kel,

My Christian church does tons of work with the orphanage in Bonfil, Casa Hogar Para Niños Esperanza. If you are interested in donating some time, I can put you in touch with the gal that coordinates the volunteer efforts. I get so much joy from these kids. We had a Christmas Party for them on Tuesday. The ladies stayed with the girls and the smallest boy. A couple of guys and I took the boys to Peter Piper and let them enjoy the games and stuff themselves with pizza.

For the 2nd year in a row a few of us are invited to their Christmas dinner and celebration. We helped with the tree decorations and with gifts and Santa. Santa comes to Mexico before going to the US and Canada.

Let me know via FB or ToriB can give you my info if you are interested in this.

Not trying to divert you from Cancun Nurse's project. She does more charity for this community than anyone I know, groups included. She is the absolute bomb.