PEACE Community Update Becci Burchett - PEACE
November 30, 2011

Malcolm Macartney Team, McKenzie Veterinary Services

PEACE (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture, Environment) has a lot going on. Every week, our education, environment, and animal programs are bursting with exciting information and fantastic results. Sometimes people assume that because we do so much, we're financially stable. The reality is, we have to fundraise from month to month.  We're currently lacking $50,000 USD to complete 2011 and our 2012 budget is $500,000 USD.

By donating now, you will allow PEACE to focus more on community development projects and less on fundraising. Every extra minute devoted to strengthening PEACE programs results in healthier and better-educated communities, thereby increasing the quality of life for all. This holiday season, YOU have the power to make a real difference, and experience the true joy of giving. Thank you for giving here.

Programa de Ayuda a los Animales (Help the Animals Program):

214 animals were sterilized during the Jaltemba Bay + PEACE animal clinic La Peñita!

"For the past two years I have been traveling with a team of vets and vet techs from my clinic to volunteer at free spay and neuter clinics that are organized By Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue. We work alongside PEACE during the four-day clinics. The clinic work is both intense and fun, and it is amazing to be a part of a community of people committed to the same goal. If you are looking for a rewarding experience for yourself or your clinic team, consider adopting a clinic and/or volunteering. Our involvement has enriched and enlivened our practice environment while encouraging our clients to donate to PEACE's animal program. It's a win-win situation for all who become involved." - Malcolm Macartney, DVM, McKenzie Veterinary Services, Victoria, BC, Canada.  

Thank you to our amazing volunteers at McKenzie Veterinary Services! Over the years, many veterinary groups have volunteered with PEACE spay and neuter clinics. If you and group of individuals with vet training want a similar experience, contact: molly@peacemexico.org

In other animal news, crowds were fascinated by the PEACE spay and neuter table at the animal appreciation day last Monday at the Malecon. The day was a great success! Three cats were adopted and PEACE was able to physically demonstrate the incredible work of our spay and neuter team.

Next week's clinic will be in Punta de Mita. Bring a dog or cat to be spayed or neutered, Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 9.30 am.

Upcoming Clinic Schedule:
Punta de Mita - Wednesday, November 30, 2011 and Saturday, December 3, 2011
Huatulco -  Wednesday, December 7, 2011 and Saturday, December 10, 2011
Huatulco - Wednesday, December 14, 2011 and Saturday, December 17, 2011

For more information regarding the clinics or for directions, contact Poli at 322-134-0942 or Lalo at 322-141-1031.

Programa de Casa Comunidad (Community House Program):

PEACE headquarters; host to an alternative school, after school programs, English classes, computer classes, an adult GED program, and job skills training, is about to get a makeover! Hand Me Ups International Helping Hand Tour is dedicated to raising funds for the PEACE community in its first-ever international fundraising initiative.

PEACE education programs fill a true void in underdeveloped areas. By giving people the right resources and tools, they will take the initiative to learn, grow, and succeed. Donated funds will provide the resources needed to reduce the high drop-out rates in the area, while improving low test scores, low literacy rate, and low parent to child engagement.

To be a part of this movement, watch an inspiration video and donate here, or write becci@peacemexico.org for more information.

Programa de Orgullo en la Comunidad (Community Pride Program):

Because of the PEACE Community Pride program, community members are economically empowered through daily work opportunities, community facilities are well maintained, and communities are cleaner, providing a good place to live, do business, work and raise families.

Check out the monthly impact:
• 400 people participate
• 400 bags of food/4,000 meals are given (each bag of food feeds 10 people)
• 800 hours of community service work is completed
• 7,740 kilos of materials are recycled

Now that's impressive! To help fund this much needed program, donate here.

Gifts last Week:

Thank you to our wonderful donors last week - Glenda Story, Cathy Hollingshead, Karen Cockburn, Heidi Humber, and Colette Hubner. Your gifts are greatly appreciated!

Upcoming Events:
 
PEACE Home Tour - November 29, Plaza Romy - located at Ignacio Vallarta street #228 between Madero and Cardenas streets. 10:30 am – 1:30 pm, $35 USD.
 
6th Annual PEACE Pet Picnic - December 3rd, Daiquiri Dicks, PV - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 200 pesos.
 
Vallarta Yacht Club Chili Cook-off - December 3rd. Vallarta Yacht Club, Nuevo Vallarta - 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Free.
 
PEACE Open House - December 16th, Casa Campesina, Punta de Mita - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Free.
 
Sea Monkey Luau for PEACE - December 16th, Sea Monkey PV, time to be announced, 500 pesos.
 
ArteVida 2012 - January 20th, Casa China Blanca, Punta de Mita - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm, 1,200 pesos.
 
ArteVida 2012 PV - March 30th, Casa Corona, PV Centro - time to be announced, 1,200 pesos.
 
Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteer at the Vallarta Yacht Club Chili Cook-off, December 3rd! Contact Nicole@peacemexico.org for more information.

Beach Cleanup: PEACE volunteer beach cleanups take place every first and third Saturdays of the month. Meet in front of Oscar's Restaurant, where the Río Cuale empties into the bay.  Gloves and bags are provided. Contact pvlencarol@yahoo.com if you wish to help. Time to roll up your sleeves, this is satisfying work!

Prepare a nutritious meal for our alternative school:  Feed ten students from the PEACE alternative school, Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 10:30 am. Food fuels the mind, and cooking for children is such an important way to express and receive love and a sense of community. Contact nova@peacemexico.org if you are interested in sitting around the table with these kids!

Visit PEACE’s Casa Campesina in Punta de Mita: Contact becci@peacemexico.org if you’d like to take a tour of our headquarters. You will get a real sense of what it is that we do.

PEACE (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture, Environment) is a nonprofit organization working in the Bay of Banderas and beyond to increase educational and economic opportunities through community development programs in the areas of education, environment, animal health, and economic development.

  Learn about PEACE Punta de Mita

  Learn about PEACEAnimals Free Mobile Clinics