Volunteers from the U.S. Arrive to Support Three Local Non-Profits Team Angels/Kayla Okafor - Denver Real Estate Connection
January 31, 2017

Thanks to all the generous efforts by Kayla Okafor from Denver, Colorado, a group of 9 volunteers will arrive in Puerto Vallarta tomorrow and this is the 4th group that will visit for a "working vacation." Most of the group is from Denver with one from Boston, Massachusetts.

These volunteers will be working with and supporting three of our local non-profit organizations:

• R.I.S.E. (Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza) which is a non-profit shelter for babies and children under the age of 14. Some of these children are orphans but most come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected, or simply abandoned.

• PEACEAnimals Free Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics which responds to the challenges of the unwanted and unhealthy pet population in Puerto Vallarta through education and free mobile spay/neuter clinics.

• SPCA-PV where their main focus is to rescue the abused and homeless animals from Puerto Vallarta’s streets to their sanctuary and place them in foster homes in both the United States and Canada until permanent homes are available.

About 8 years ago, Kayla and the volunteers completed a painting project at R.I.S.E. and it's time again to paint their enamel railings. The volunteers will be paying for the paint and supplies, as the children's shelter does not even have the money for that, and on Thursday, February 2 will deliver the supplies, meet the children and look at the next day's project to see if anything else is needed.

On Friday, February 3, it will be a full day of painting! The shelter will supply lunch to the volunteers. Last time there were 16 volunteers for this project. Since there are only 9 this time, they could probably use 5 or so more volunteers if there are local people who would like to assist. If you can help, please telephone Kayla at (720) 296-2949 or email her at drckayla@aol.com and she'll give you all the details. The group will be staying at the Hotel Encino on Juarez just North of the Rio Cuale.

On Sunday, February 5th, the volunteers will be helping with a spay/neuter clinic by Pets for Life (with volunteers  from PEACEAnimals) from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Cultural Center. There may be enough volunteers for this project but you are welcome to contact Kayla if you would like to help.
 
On Tuesday, February 7th the group is going to the SPCA-PV sanctuary/shelter to help feed animals, walk dogs, etc. Again, you are welcome to take part in this activity.

In addition to the four volunteer events during the week they are here, Kayla has scheduled free time for the group where they can enjoy some of the local activities, i.e. parasailing, the beach at Mismaloya, a Super Bowl party at El Torito's, a dinner cruise on the Miragalante, etc.

"Our group of volunteers is always so dedicated to helping many non-profits and we have supported other organizations who would like our assistance through the years. Normally they also provide donations to the organizations in addition to their time. Many times volunteers continue to support these great causes financially even after they return to the United States. After owning a home in PV since the 1990's I have seen the great need there is for assistance in many areas. This is an opportunity for people to see a part of PV that is beyond the tourist experience and to be able to help. Most of my volunteers tell me that it's a once in a lifetime experience that they'll never forget. I don't do this as a paid job, I'm just trying to contribute back to our community. I hope it encourages others to become active also!" ...Kayla Okafor

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  Learn about Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.)

  Learn about PEACEAnimals Free Mobile Clinics

  Learn about SPCA Puerto Vallarta