It’s been two months since a lethal 8.2 earthquake devastated the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region of Oaxaca. For a brief time, this oft-neglected state had captured the attention and relief efforts of Mexico and the world. Aware that relief supplies were desperately needed, I was informed that my friend and manager of Casa Colonial B&B, Amado Bolaños, with the blessings of the Casa’s owner Jane Robison, was driving supplies to villages in the Isthmus. Within 24 hours of returning to Oaxaca on September 16, I filled three large trash bags with clothing, sandals, sheets, and towels for him to take.
Unfortunately, the focus soon shifted. On September 19, a deadly 7.1 earthquake hit central Mexico and caused severe damage to several neighborhoods in Mexico City. And then there were the hurricanes…. As a result, the damnificados (victims) of this second poorest state in Mexico continue to suffer the effects of the strongest earthquake to hit Mexico in a century. Thus, Amado continues to carry pickup truck loads of needed items to stricken communities.
Amado Bolaños speaking at the Casa Colonial earthquake relief fundraiser
So, last week I wasn’t surprised to receive the following email from Amado addressed to Casa Colonial friends:
It’s been a while since our last email, many good and bad things [have] been happening all this time. One of the bad things are the earthquakes in different parts of Mexico and of course in our dear Oaxaca state. Although the situation in Oaxaca city in not bad at all, things at the Isthmus of Oaxaca are not so great, many many entire families lost their homes and they are living in a horrible situation.
Personally with the help of many of you, I have been taking trips to these places, carrying food, medicines tarps and other things, that my paisanos are in need of.
This is why CHEAP SEATS AND CASA COLONIAL are putting together a Benefit Concert this coming Sunday the 5th at 4pm
All the money collected would be used to get more tarps and food that the Istmeños are in need. The donation entrance fee would be $200 pesos per person and of course you can also bring the following:
• rice • beans • painkillers • powdered milk • toys • clean clothes (in good condition), for adults and many more for kids and babies • tarps • water • canned food • diapers.
If you think in anything else, bring it over, I`m sure we can figure it out. Muchas gracias por todo…see you guys this coming Sunday….we´ll have hamburgers, hot dogs and margaritas of course
blessings
Amado Bolaños
Casa Colonial Manager
Of course, I went. The hamburgers and margaritas were yummy and, as you can see from this brief clip, the music by the Cheap Seats was rousing and had the crowd clapping and cheering. However, the purpose of the event was not forgotten and during intermission, Amado painted a heartfelt and revealing picture of the conditions people in the Isthmus are still having to endure. Formal relief efforts and agencies are scarce and aftershocks continue. One of the medicines, which he didn’t have access to but was much requested was for anxiety. And, he told the story of a 3-year old coming to get a relief package for his family and, when asked where his mother was, he was led by the boy to what remained of his home and discovered the mom sheltered under a tarp where, with the help of another woman from the village, she had given birth to twins the night before.
If you can made a donation, please contact Amado Bolaños at Casa Colonial B&B. You can be assured your donation will go directly to the people who are in most need, not into the coffers of some politico and his cronies.
Amado Bolaños
Phone: +52 951 516 5280
Email: oaxaca@casa-colonial.com
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