Our program today was a presentation by the Rotary Club of Tijuana.  Dick Martinez introduced the visiting delegation, lead by President Roberto Rodriguez.  Gracias por la bebida!

President Rodriguez began by noting one of the interesting customs of the Tijuana club; all members were given nicknames.  For example, one of our guests, Juan, was known as “Tigre” (tiger).  Alejandro was “Indio” (the Indian).  He actually started the first Boys and Girls Club in Mexico.  President Roberto’s nickname was “Hummer” because he drove one when he attended his first meeting.

President Rodriguez then gave us a summary of their club’s activities for the past 6 months.

July:  They had a very successful food drive – they measured their results by lining up all the food donations on the track in a stadium.

August: They sponsored an immunization clinic in the Conejo Valley, Ventura County.

September: They received the donated beds from the Arcadia club and delivered some of them to an orphanage, Casa Hogar Tribu de Jesus.

October:  More of the beds were donated to another orphanage, this time to the Casa Hogar Sion.  They also donated $35,000 in equipment to a Hospital for cancer treatment.

November: The last of the beds were donated to the Casa Hogar Sonrisa de Angel.  Note that when the  club makes a donation to an orphanage not only do the kids get the beds (they didn’t have beds before), they throw a party for the kids.  For many of the kids it would be the first time they ever tasted a hamburger!  The club also sponsored a Golf Tournament in November.  They collected toys to be given out during the Christmas season.

December:  This was a very busy month for the club.  They held a party at Posada Navideña Hospital where kids were being treated for cancer.  Santa arrived with gifts for all.  Working in concert with our clubs, they distributed 100 hearing aids for 50 kids.  Many of these kids were now able to hear for the 1^st time in their life.  They also held a Christmas party at the Protection Center for kids.  The Protection center works to get kids off the streets.

January:  Another party for kids.  This time it was for 400 special needs children.

Coming up:  The Tijuana club is working on a clean water project for 3 schools.  With the completion of the project, 2,500 children will have access to clean water.

President Rodriguez extended his thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Arcadia, Sierra Madre and Monrovia who have worked together to help the Tijuana club with its programs.  They presented us with a Certificate of Appreciation for 34 years of continuing service.  They also thanked Arcadia President Eric for the 18 wheelchairs they were taking back with them today.