On Thursday Ramón Cevi and a group of volunteers handed out water, popsicles and fruit.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.) – During the vaccination campaign against COVID-19, the long lines left many elderly people in the hot sun for hours,  but the people of Ajijic recognized the problem and stepped up to help the elderly in any way they could to ease their wait in line.

One way they assisted the waiting seniors was to help them  assemble the necessary documents  and copies,( copy of INE, proof of address, CURP and registration folio), a common request.  So  teachers and students of the Center for Technological Studies in Continental Waters (CETAC) borrowed the facilities of the Virtual Library in the «Parque de la amistad» to install computer equipment  and printers  to  complete the needed paperwork.  Some volunteers even made copies in their private businesses.

«This is to help the people of Ajijic and to say  thank you for how much we have been helped with the CETAC facilities,” said Bernabe Robledo, in charge of CETAC 01 Ajijic, who added that volunteering  serves the students to raise awareness and promote the values of helping others.  He complimented the girls who helped: Valeria Hernandez, Angeles Perez, Leticia Robledo, Camila Suarez and Teresa Parra.

Some volunteers assisted with food, both for those who were waiting, as well as for the doctors, nurses, registration personnel, officials and brigadistas who worked long days of more than 12 hours. Some volunteers spent most of the day handing out apples, and food as needed by the workers.

Four young people from Ajijic took on the task of preparing and taking food to the doctors, security personnel and other servers involved. They  served 100 lunches and  the bottles of flavored – and natural- water donated during the day on Wednesday.

Many villagers were similarly inspired and handed out bottled water to combat dehydration and heat stroke among the elderly. Members of the project «La Tradición de Ajijic»  helped with bottled drinks , telling Laguna that the positive comments they received from the elderly encouraged them to work even harder. 

On Thursday, another group of volunteers helped by handing out natural water, popsicles and fruit. The local government also handed out bottled water to seniors who showed up for the vaccination.

«We were very well taken care of, with music, cool water and refreshments – it  looked like a private hospital,” said Don José.  “Me and my wife and all the others who were here thank everyone  for their help, because they gave us courage and comfort in this long wait,” Don José said thanking the volunteers for the attention they  gave to everyone. Translated by  Patrick O’Heffernan