E-mail:  allanbadner@hotmail.com

I am pleased to report that we have come through the summer with our books up to date thanks to the good reporting of Kirsten.  She kept me posted twice monthly by email and I was able to update the books and email her back the data to restore to our program on the club computer.

We have money in the bank after meeting all our financial obligations throughout the summer.  The receipts for the first week of Home Tours have been deposited and so we are indeed solvent. 

Funds have been deposited from the Navy League for the Toys for Tots program and recorded in a separate ledger for Toys for Tots. As funds are issued for this program, it will be deducted from the balance in that ledger. Our obligations to Becas have been fully paid out.  All other program obligations are also paid up to date.

 the high season.  We will be supporting BLOOD DRIVES so start taking your vitamins.  Our first Blood Drive is scheduled for Thursday, November 11th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The IFC supports many programs in the community that offer services to those in need.   I want us to have real satisfaction in that.  At the same time, keep asking ourselves, keep looking, keep thinking...what else, what is next.   E-mail me with your ideas!!!

E-mail:  global@sanjaviermarina.com
pmt@prodigy.net.mx

The International Friendship Club in conjunction with Ambulancias Global are hosting a blood drive on December 11th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Puerto Vallarta has a critically low blood supply of all types.  As the high season approaches, local hospitals and medical facilities are preparing for the annual influx of visitors and the increase in hospital demands that accompany the busy holiday weeks ahead.  Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta urgently need blood, especially now.

There is only one blood bank in Vallarta, located at the San Javier marina.  All medical facilities in the area depend on this source, which is seriously undersupplied.  We urgently encourage those who meet the requirements below to stop by the IFC on December 11th to donate blood.

BLOOD BANK REQUIREMENTS FOR DONATION

If you choose to donate blood, it is very important to thoroughly understand the following qualifications:

E-mail:  pedroysusan@hotmail.com

Working in The Community Services Program for the IFC in Puerto Vallarta is at times difficult, rewarding and exhausting. While it is a work of connecting families, services and programs together, there are times when what is needed does not fall under any of the categories we have in the IFC programs.

I met Felipe a few years ago.  He was recently paralyzed and at the time 15 years old.  After a long period of time, his family found a way to get him some tests to find out "why"?   He had a tumor that was growing and needed to be removed on his spine at the base of his neck.  That was 2 years ago.  He now attends CLINICA SANTA BARBARA 3 times a week for therapy.  During the lasts few months, he has come into contact with Robin Bouchard and now his program (ARTURO AND GOD'S KIDS) is assisting Felipe with his transportation to and from therapy.  Robin also transports Rocio, the young paraplegic that we (IFC) built the ramp for last year.   The expense of taxi service for transport of these individuals for a life saving therapeutic session was quite a burden to the families. Clínica Santa Barbara does more than just give exercises for these folks.  They offer acceptance and ways to gain independence.  In a sense, they offer life.  Both families are very poor.   Felipe's dad sells those little parachute toys on the beach.  Rocio lives in one room--upstairs--with her two kids and husband.  The lucky thing for the both of them is that they have some family and Robin.  But neither of them fall under a category in IFC’s budget which would allow us to help.

 The surgical program needed new O/R supplies, the surgical attire, drapes and towels, etc.  On further investigation, a wonderful lady named Elena, at REGIONAL HOSPITAL was storing all of our deteriorated supplies for us.  WOW, there was a sewing group at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH and some of these wonderful ladies (who make quilts for the kids in our surgical program) took the old stuff that was tattered and torn and mended and sewed it.  WOW, we did not have to buy new stuff after all.  Many thanks to those ladies and especially, Pam Ruiz, who took most of it home to repair.

By the next newsletter, I hope to include some updates on other services the IFC provides as well as some new information on groups that will be taking place through out