Casa de los Amigos Earthquake Report

Posted on January 23, 2003 in Appeals and Goodwill Peace Social Justice Vacations

I got a report back from Elspeth at Casa de los Amigos:

Thank you so very much for your letter of concern. We have been very fortunate, there is no damage to anyone here or to the Casa. In fact
Mexico City as a whole was lucky. Being 300 miles from the epicentre, even a
strong quake such as this one did little damage except to gas and water mains, electricity and telephone lines.

It was the first time I, personally, had experienced anything like this,
and it was a horrible feeling. I was sitting working at the computer at the
time, and at first I thought I was having some sort of strange attack,
and then I realised that it was much bigger than I was. I dont know whether
you remember that blackboard in the reception with notices etc, it was just
swinging to and fro, as were the lights in the dining room and
everything else. It is, too, a much more FLUID feeling than I would have imagined.

(Elspeth is from England originally.)

They don’t have any special fund for earthquake relief, yet, but there’s a chance that some of the indigenous communities that they assist will present them with needs in the near future. I’ve suggested that they set up a Paypal button on their site. I am also checking into the legalities of setting up a button using my own account and their tax number so you can present tax deductible donations. In the meantime, if you want to pass on a check for their projects supporting indigenous peoples and hostel for international visitors, send it to Orange Grove Friends Meeting, 526 East Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, California, 91104. Be sure to earmark it for Casa de los Amigos. Those in Mexico or elsewhere may send their donations direct to Casa de los Amigos at Ignacio Mariscal 132, Col. Tabacalera, Mexico D.F., 06030

There will be pictures and more information about Casa de los Amigos coming up in the next few days.