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FAQ
1. Who can participate?
We
welcome anyone who has a heart of service to help those less fortunate.
We do however have limited space for your winter trip. If you are
planning to ride the bus from Saskatchewan, Dawn Mitchell is your
contact. Please be sure that you check with her for space —
c.d.mitchell@sasktel.net. All other participants must contact
Tnhelpinghands@msn.com to confirm space.
2. What is the cost?
The
Mexico work relies on donations from you to fund food, water, camp
fees, rental of equipment and transportation while in Mexico. $300 CDN
or US funds.
3. What are the dates of the 2008 year end trip?
Saturday December 27, to Friday, January 2, 2008.
4. What will we be doing each day?
Everyone
arrives in San Diego on Saturday, except for the early crew, and
settles into our campground that night. Work begins following church
service Sunday. The group will be split into 3 crews - those
responsible for working at the construction job site, supplies
purchasing people, and a food preparation crew. Monday work begins
bright and early and continues daily through Friday. We will complete
the school by Friday morning. Then off to see La Bufadora, eat and
shop. The bus riders will leave Mexico late Friday.
5. How do I get to Mexico?
If
you are riding the Saskatchewan bus, we will be meeting you in San
Diego with vans and a truck. The truck will carry your supplies to
Mexico and the vans will transport you. If you are flying, we would
like you to arrive at the airport on the morning of December 27. From
the airport you will be transported to our quarters in Mexico. We will
return you to the San Diego airport by 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January
3, 2008, for you to fly home. Your departure time is later than the bus
riders.
6. How will I find the rest of the group at the airport?
We
will have a 7or 15-passenger van waiting for you at the San Diego
airport. Everyone should claim their checked baggage and make their way
to the Terminal 1 Alaska Airlines baggage claim area. You will see a
small food court beside this baggage claim area. Wait at the food
court. Look for us in our TNHH t-shirts.
7. What documents will I need to have with me?
You
will need a current Passport. It is required that minors without
parents accompanying them have a signed, notarized permission to travel
letter. Have your passport or other documents on you (not in your
suitcase) when you leave San Diego. No items can be brought down with
you to be left in Mexico unless Dawn Mitchell or Patty Kunkle has given
approval.
8. Is there an age limit to participate?
A
parent or adult chaperone must accompany those younger than a high
school graduate. Younger members will be under supervision at all times.
9. How do I sign up?
Fill
out the application found on the website and submit by October 30. Bus
riders must forward them to Dawn Mitchell. Otherwise forward them to
Pat Jacobs at the address listed below.
10. Where will we be staying?
We
have reservations at a campground right on the ocean at Punta Banda,
about 15 minutes from Maneadero. It has restrooms and showers with a
limited amount of hot water, a security enclosure protecting the area.
We will be staying in the cabins at this location.
11. Is the water safe to drink?
No.
You must drink only the bottled water that we provide. Even vegetables
and fruits sold locally should be avoided unless we have prepared them
for you.
12. What should I bring?
Basic needs will
include a personal water bottle, work clothes (including gloves),
sleeping bag, pillow, sunscreen (yes even in December), personal
hygiene items and a good attitude.
13. Where will we be eating while we’re in Mexico?
You
will be responsible to provide your own meal for lunch Saturday if you
are at the airport. The night at La Bufadora everyone pays for what
they eat. All other meals will be provided for you. Each morning we
will have breakfast in camp before leaving for the work site. Snacks
are delivered to each work site twice a day. That involves making
sandwiches and cutting up fruit. Different groups will be assigned to
prepare food for the meals. We all want to help with the work at the
school and we all want to eat so we will provide a cooking schedule.
Everyone gets a turn to cook. Water is provided continuously at each
work site and everyone is reminded often to drink plenty of water.
14. What tools should I bring?
Basic
needs are a hammer, work clothes (including gloves), a nail apron,
safety goggles and dust masks. A more comprehensive list is posted on
this web site -- Tool List. If you are a skilled tradesman, please let
us know.
15. Should I get any immunizations?
It is recommended that you make sure your Tetanus is up to date. Both HEP A and HEP B are also recommended.
16. Where does the money come from to pay for the school?
Donations are received from churches, companies, individuals and the Canadian embassy.
17. If I can’t make the trip is there some other way I can help?
We
would welcome any financial help you could give. You could also lift us
up in prayer for the health and safety of those going. Or if you know
of others who could help, either financially or as a participant, put
them in touch with us.
18. Can I be contacted in case of an emergency back home?
We will check daily for messages @ 360-798-7139. This phone works in almost all the areas we will be located.
19. What other things do you do while in Mexico?
We
will build a new schoolroom, re-roof an existing classroom, work with
crafts, food packaging for distribution. This has been a difficult year
work-wise for this group of people.
20. Who will be leading the group?
True
North Helping Hands is organized by a group of people with input from
many sources. This year, your site leaders will be Roy and Patty
Kunkle. We are always open to suggestions.
True North Helping Hands
7485 Salisbury Avenue,
Burnaby, BC V5E 3A5
www.truenorthhh.org
tnhelpinghands@msn.com