PV Red Cross Receives New Ambulance Thanks to 'Rounding Up' at OXXO & Costco Team Angels/Rodrigo Lopez Becerril - Vallarta Opina
go to original May 30, 2014

With the support of consumers who said yes to the rounding up in the Costco and OXXO stores, the Red Cross delegation of Puerto Vallarta has managed to improve its equipment in terms of vehicles, medicines and supplies, including providing maintenance of existing ambulances, buying fuel, and in general to keep services free for the majority of the population.

Now, thanks to Puerto Vallarta citizens and tourists who said "yes" to rounding up, the Red Cross has added a new ambulance to its present fleet of five vehicles, according to President of the Board of the Red Cross, Uriel Almaraz Herrera.

"We have five ambulances, four of which are for emergencies and rescues of which two are pre-owned and the others are late models. These vehicles also help us with training, which is part of our revenues."

The President of the Board said that while the institution has improved in quality, services and infrastructure, they require greater support from society to further improve the services provided for those  who require them.

He continued that current expenditures amount to 130,000 pesos, excluding payroll which is more than 30 people working in three shifts, bringing the figure up to approximately 300,000 pesos.

He said that the main challenge is to keep ambulances in optimum condition to guarantee service to persons who require it.

In addition, he invites individuals, businesses, and institutions to come to the Red Cross and to be trained in first aid and other courses that help save the lives of the people.

In answer to the questions about cost for the Red Cross services, the President of the Board said that in principle the services are free, but they are required to do a socio-economic study of the beneficiaries to determine those who can pay at least the cost of supplies and equipment used in their care and services.

Uriel Almaraz Herrera states, "Last year we managed to raise 240,000 pesos and our goal this year is to collect 500,000 pesos."

Thanks to all of you who "rounded up."

Translated and edited by Team Angels

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