The fun stuff that we hear from you
Literacy work weeks:
“Thank you for sharing your good work with me. I knew it would be amazing, but it surpassed by expectations. The positive impact of Project Amigo is so far-reaching. I look forward to my next visit.”
Lisa Finklestein, Hazleton Rotary Club, PA 2011
“The 150 or so volunteers who pass through Project Amigo each year come with the hope that they can give back. They leave with a surprise: they find that they, themselves, have had their lives changed by one week of selfless magic looking into the eye of the kids who love them instantly and unconditionally.”
Brianne Nelson, Sonoma State University Rotaract Club, CA 2011
“This is the best project anywhere. No peers. World class minds, heaven class hearts.”
Ron and Peian Harness, Novato Rotary Club, CA 2011
“The chinese say a 1000 mile journey begins with a single step.But that step is so important.Thanks to Project Amigo to making possible such a huge step toward a better future for Mexico.I am proud to have been involved with you in this in a small way.”
John Andresen, Alberta, Canada 2011
“I remember my elementary school library fondly—it was a great part of any day to get to spend an hour there. Seeing the pleasure these kids get from just a small portion of what we had is priceless. Having them read to you from their new books is the ultimate reward of the week.”
Julia Machotka, San Francisco, CA, 2011
“This was my first time at Project Amigo and it was a wonderful week. Everything was well organized, the food was delicious, the accommodations were comfortable and beautiful, and the staff was terrific. The work done this week was truly a wonderful gift to be part of.”
Joan Stone, San Rafael, CA, 2010
“What a week! The opportunity to work, laugh and party with like-minded advocates of literacy was one of the best experiences of my life. I saw first-hand the power of Rotary International and it was inspiring and life-changing. Gracias to my new Rotary friends in Colima; and sombreros off to the Project Amigo staff. In every way, you enhanced our experience with your support, your professionalism, and sincere belief in Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.”
Brad Sperry, Rotary Club of Wilbraham-Hampden, 2009
“What a gift to be up close and personal with this amazing place we have been talking about and working with for the past couple of years. The experiences with the children and the delivery of the library books were heartwarming as we saw the joy in their faces as they selected their very own book. Thank you all for everything you do to bring hope and happiness to this part of the world.”
Karen Wyrick, Executive Director, Long Beach Rotary Club, 2008
Fiesta weeks:
“The volunteers I worked with are the kind of people I wish were my neighbors-everyone was lively, intelligent, compassionate and hard-working. My greatest moment was when the children got off the buses in their new outfits and walked one by one through the reception line [into the Fiesta]. All of them looked so happy and prosperous in their NEW (not used) clothes. I couldn't hold back the tears.”
Linda Bonham, Prescott, AZ 2012
“Thank you for this valuable experience in helping those in need. This week, in my view, demonstrates that Project Amigo is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations.”
Alan Lomax, Nanaimo North Rotary Club, BC 2012
“We came here to witness how a great sustainable project is run, and we were not disappointed. It’s heartwarming to see. This is a brilliant organization with an excellent staff.”
Ron Harness, Novato, CA, 2010
“I’ve been here several times, and this was the best week yet!! Loved it all.”
Vida Peterson, Port Moody, BC, 2010
“What a marvelous experience. This exceeded by far any trip or vacation we have ever taken. We shall remember our time in Cofradia and Colima long after the memories of other adventures have faded.”
Ron Nicholson, Valley of the Moon Rotary Club, Santa Rosa, CA, 2009
“I don't have words - in English or Spanish - to tell you how profoundly grateful I am for the opportunity the four of us had to briefly be a part of [Project Amigo]. I have told several people since our return that our week in Cofradia was the happiest I can remember ... and I mean that sincerely.”
Diana Crane, Seattle, WA, 2009
Vision work weeks:
“Thank you so much for your gracious and unending hospitality. It was over the top, and our adventure is unforgettable.”
Robert and Maria Buckly, Courtenay, BC, 2011
“A young girl got to our dispensing station. Her mother told us she was doing poorly in school because she couldn’t see her book. She had an unusual problem, but we had a pair of glasses that seemed would meet her needs. She put on the glasses, and we handed her a test sheet to read. And she read! She burst into tears, her mother burst into tears, and pretty soon we were ALL crying as we listened to her read. She didn’t want to stop!”
Coastal Eye Care Centres volunteer, 2011
“A memory I will never forget is a 9-year-old who’s mother tome that her son was having trouble in school. After he put on the glasses, he read the entire page, cried and hugged me.”
Siofra Rice, 2010
“My favorite memory is of an old weathered caballero who had very poor vision. The look on his face was priceless when he tried his first pair of glasses.”
Mark Shirley, Marin Evening Rotary Club, 2010
“This week has turned me into a Rotarian. I can’t wait to go home and join a Rotary Club! My most memorable experience in this vision week was the man who came up to our group at the end of the clinic day to show us his intricate artwork created with a ballpoint pen. He explained that without his new glasses he could not do this work. With tears in his eyes, he thanked us.”
Maryanne Johanson, 2010
“This was one of the most gratifying and wonderful weeks of my life. What a gift to meet and serve the great people in this area of Mexico!”
Catherine Fleshman, Bear Creek Valley Rotary, 2008
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