Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go. Mother Teresa - "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead We are respecting the different cultural and traditional beliefs of our families in the mission by working closely with Pastor Hector Oliver, who provides a Non Denonminational Christian service where everyone is welcome. OUR CURRENT MISSION TEAM Winnie and Henry Giesbrecht lead the mission team. They hail from Selkirk, Manitoba. Winnie has an extensive background in volunteerism and community service. Before retiring she was a nurse and has run a successful business. She also worked closely with the Canadian government implementing and providing health care to the Aborginal communities. These talents make her very qualified to lead the mission. John and Brenda Power now reside in Puerto Vallarta. Formerly from St. Albert, Alberta, they also have been involved in community service as well as running their own business for several years. Brenda's experience in coordinating volunteers has prepared her for her new role as Program Coordinator. Feeling blessed to be able to spend their retirement years in Vallarta, it was natural to give their time to the families living by the City Dump. Stanley and Julieta Woodward reside in Vallarta. Stanley assists the mission as Pastor of our Non Denominational Christian Service at Paradise Village. He also sits on the Mexican Board. Julieta's Mexican heritage makes her a valuable asset to the mission with translation in our Education and Medical programs. She also works as an ADVOCATE/LIASON with the IJAS, the governing office for charities in Puerto Vallarta. Michael Lorenzo works as our translator, assisting daily on our mission tour and at our Community Center. He is well loved and respected by the children of our mission. He also sets an example of the possiblities available to them if they continue their education. ABOUT FAD Poverty in Mexico and in other developing countries is a major problem. For the past 3 years, Families at the Dump (also known as FAD) has been providing physical, medical, educational,emotional and spiritual support to the families living in the vicinity of the Puerto Vallarta City Dump. Families at the Dump provides these services to the registered recyclers and their families. In March 2006, a group of dedicated volunteers from Canada, United States and Mexico,began a mission with the support of the CLUB MEMBERS AND DEVELOPERS OF PARADISE VILLAGE. The mission is overseen by a Board of Directors in Mexico and Canada. Paradise Village Non Denominational Christian service also supports this mission. In 2007, a Mexican civil association, Fundacion Families at the Dump, AC, was formed. A system of accountability of funds and resources was put in place. Fundacion Families at the Dump, AC has been approved by the Mexican government as a valid and legitimate humanitarian organization within Mexico. Fundacion Families at the Dump, AC IS ABLE to issue tax-deductible tax receipts for donations in both countries Mexico and the United States. An outside accounting firm, Creser Public Accountants, has been hired to handle all the accounting and to prepare the required financial reports and tax filings. Creser has offices in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Also in 2007, the Canadian non-profit entity was formed with the name Families at the Dump. The Canadian entity is authorized to issue Canadian tax receipts for all donations. All funds raised in Canada are transfered to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to be used for Families at the Dump. The Canadian entity likewise has a system of accountability in place as well as outside legal accountants Meyers, Norris, and Penny. The Families at the Dump organization prepares an annual report including finances that is presented to the Paradise Village Club Members annual meeting in May of every year. This report is also posted on the website and is available to the public. Families at the Dump is suppported by the visitor/club members at Paradise Village Resort as well as the developers themselves. Administration costs for 2007 fiscal year were only 5%. FAD will continue to keep administration costs as low as possible. In 2008, administration costs remain at 5% The developer of Paradise Village Resort and his wife continue to be instrumental in keeping their friends Linda and Joe Knights’ vision of hope alive by providing food, water, medical care and education to the children.