FAQ
True North Helping Hands Society
Next building trip – July 1st – July 7th, 2012
This is the 6th year that True North Helping Hands has had the opportunity to assist the indigenous schools in Baja, Mexico. Seventeen classrooms have been built, nine renovated and 5 playgrounds have been installed. Along the way, friendships and partnerships have been built as well.
This summer, the plans are to build 2 classrooms in El Zorrillo. We will also do some upkeep to the classrooms we have built in the past in this area. Swings will be installed at the Zorrillo Preschool and proactive maintenance will be done on the playgrounds we have installed to date.
In one week, God’s love will have been shown to the families of El Zorrillo.
1. Who can participate?
We have workers with all levels of ability. Some are professional contractors and some have never held a hammer before. It’s a great time to learn. Those younger than a high school graduate must be accompanied by a parent or other adult and be under their supervision at all times. Children of all ages are welcome with their parents.
2. What is the cost?
For the cost of food, water, camp fees, rental of equipment and transportation while in Mexico we ask that you donate $300 CDN or USA if you plan to camp and $335 CDN or USA if you plan to stay in the cabins. Cabins are 1 men and 1 women space is limited so please let Patty know early if you wish to stay in a cabin. We will stay at our usual campground.
3. What are the dates of this summer’s trip?
Sunday, July 1st, we will meet in San Diego by 1:30PM at the airport. We will have our work complete and be back at the airport in San
Diego on Saturday, July 7th, in time for 4PM flights.
4. Where will we be staying?
We will be staying at a campground south of Ensenada. We will be working approximately 15k (10 miles) from the campground.
5. Is it safe to go to Mexico?
South of Texas is the troubled area. We do not travel at night. We believe it to be safe and proceed with caution.
6. Where will we be eating in Mexico?
In Mexico your meals are provided with the exception of eating out one night in Ensenada. Each morning we will have breakfast at the campground before leaving for the work site. Snacks are delivered to each work site twice a day. The Food Crew will deliver the lunches to the work sites. Water is provided continuously at each work site and everyone is reminded often to drink plenty of water. Dinner is prepared and served at camp by the Food Crew. Everyone should be prepared to take a turn helping the Food crew.
7. How do I get from San Diego to Mexico?
We work approximately 140 km/90 miles south of San Diego. You will need to fly (or drive) to San Diego arriving no later than 1:30PM on Sunday July 1st. We rendezvous at the San Diego airport and transport everyone from there to our quarters in Mexico. TNHH will be renting vehicles and arranging for your transportation from the airport in San Diego until we return you, 7 days later, to the San Diego airport.
If you are bringing your own vehicle, please contact us. We will still want you to meet us at the airport.
If you arrive on June 30th and wish to stay with us overnight in San Diego please email patty@truenorthhh.org
8. How will I find the rest of the group at the airport?
We will have vans meet you at the San Diego airport. Everyone should claim their checked baggage and go to Terminal 1. The food court is a great place to sit and wait if you arrive early. You will be asked to cross the Sky Bridge to the parking lot when it is time load vehicles. We will load at approximately 1PM.
If you are driving your own vehicle we ask that you park on the north end of the Terminal 1 parking lot.
9. What documents will I need to have with me?
You need a current Passport. It is required that minors, without parents accompanying them, have a signed letter with permission to come with us. Have your passport and other documents on you (not in your suitcase) when you arrive at the San Diego airport.
10. Is the water safe to drink?
No. You must drink only the bottled water that we will provide. Even vegetables and fruits sold locally in Mexico should be avoided unless washed in appropriate solutions. We wash them for your use.
11. What should I bring?
Basic needs include a personal water bottle, sleeping bag, pillow and sunscreen, and personal hygiene items. Nights are cool.
For working bring work clothes (including gloves), a nail apron. A more comprehensive list is posted on our web site under Forms and Info -- What to Bring or Major Tool List. If you are a skilled tradesman, please let us know.
12. Should I get any immunizations?
Your Tetanus should be up to date. Both HEP A & HEP B are also recommended. Ensenada has an excellent hospital. We prefer not to visit it.
13. Where does the money to build come from?
We fund raise for donations. They are typically received from churches, Canadian Embassy small project fund and individuals.
14. What will we be doing each day?
Work begins bright and early Monday morning and continues daily through Friday. You are at the jobsite working through the day. Local children will be running around.
15. If I can’t make the trip is there some other way I can help?
As mentioned above, we would welcome any financial help you could give. Please pray 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.
16. Who will be leading the group?
Our directors are Garnett Andrews – Treasurer, Patty Jacobs-Kunkle - Managing Director, John Clelland – Secretary, John Smith – Alberta Director and Roy Kunkle - Construction Manager.
17. Can I be contacted in case of an emergency back home?
We will check daily for messages @ 360-798-7139 .
18. How do I sign up?
Fill out an application found on the website and submit it by May 1st, 2011 (sooner preferred). Adult Application Link Minor Application Link
Please send your applications and funds to the address listed below.
True North Helping Hands
7485 Salisbury AvenueBurnaby, BC V5E 3A5
ATTN: Liz Johnson
www.truenorthhh.org
We are continuing our effort to teach local field laborers more construction skills. If you have construction or Spanish language skills please let us know.