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The group is called Manzamigos and consists of major business people in Manzanillo, the principal officials of the area (i.e. Head of Port Authority, Head of the Department of Tourism, American Consul representative for Manzanillo & district, Head of Security), and well known and respected foreign and Mexican residents within the community.
The aim of this association is to tend to the welfare of tourists and the community at large without any cost to the individuals seeking such assistance. It is totally non-funded and therefore not in a position to supply monetary benefits to any person or group but with the vast information available at hand, can easily assist or direct through the proper channels when necessary.
Fairly recently through the Chairman, Guillermo Gomez, and the US Consul representative, Bill Ziener, they facilitated the transfer of a large shipment of wheelchairs from the US being held in bond and seemingly unattainable, to the eventual destination of the crippled children of the Lake Chapala area. Barbecues have been initiated for 700 children in the area and more major events are being planned for the Christmas season when they expect to host 3000 children. Besides this, there are cultural events in the planning stages that will highlight the many artists and performers in the State of Colima that the regular tourist has no way of discovering on their own. All of which will be at no charge or nominal charge. So they are not just dealing with the negative things that happen every now and again.
Freda Rumford
rumford@prodigy.net.mx
July 2001
www.tomzap.com
Tom Penick:
tom@tomzap.com