A bumpy, dusty rock-laden dirt road winds its way to a ranch-style building that is in a perpetual state of disrepair. It serves as home to about 35 mostly senior men who are in desperate need of some attention themselves. Members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake (Ca.) arose early on Saturday morning last December. They donned their face coverings, and made the trek by car to Casa Para Pobres Desamparados. This ramshackle home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, Mex., is located about 40 minutes east of Tecate, Mex.--about two hours from San Diego County. On this day, the Rotarians took donations of food, blankets, adult diapers and clothing to the center. When the Chula Vista Eastlake Rotarians arrived, Hernandez was struck by the conditions. There were seniors who needed urgent medical care, attended to by an overwhelmed “staff” of four volunteers. The center had no hot water, and badly needed facility maintenance. Hernandez wasn’t sure where to start. He asked “Hermano Pablo,” the caring soul who runs the center with the help of his wife and some relatives, what they really needed. It was clear to Hernandez that the donated clothing and food were temporary fixes. The seniors home needed more than a figurative 'band-aid.' |
September's Rotarian of the Month: Carlos Nava. If you know Carlos Nava, you know he is a man of his word, has an amazing attention to detail, and is an expert in his field in the hospitality industry. When it comes to events, few are as skilled at quality control as “Don Carlos,” as he is affectionately known. The Hilton executive is a driving force behind the success of our fundraising events, taking ownership of securing donations of sushi, pastries and other delicious treats. These are among the reasons Don Carlos was selected as Rotarian of the Month for September. Thank you, Don Carlos, for your service to our club. We appreciate all you do!
