On Nov. 7, a team of seven Mission firefighters from Fire Station 1 will be traveling to Ensenada, Mexico for seven days to complete three building projects and to support local outreach efforts.
Ensenada is a coastal city, located near the Northern part of Baja, California, only 125 km from San Diego.
It is home to over 700,000 people either in the city or its suburbs, the majority of which live below the poverty line.
To date, the Mission team has committed to roofing a new community centre including installing the plywood sheeting. They also will be doing roofing and some interior renovations at the home of a single mother with four children.
Another project is rebuilding a rotten roof structure for a local family who are very involved in community service.
The team members have covered their own expenses including travel, food and accommodations.
As well, they have contributed a combined total of $1,600 towards the project funds. It’s estimated that the materials needed for these projects will total about $4,000.
The team has already begun collecting donations from generous local donors.
Another aspect of this trip is the opportunity for firefighters to visit local community care facilities including an orphanage, women’s shelter and a rehab centre. It is the team’s desire to assist them in their efforts by donating groceries and toiletries to help meet the needs of the vulnerable people they serve.
All money raised will go to building costs or supporting these local service agencies.