Since 2011, the Los Amigos Project has coordinated the delivery of decommissioned emergency vehicles, handi-vans/buses and school buses to the people of Mexico. The project is spearheaded by members of various Rotary Clubs in southern and central Alberta, and this year, Southland Transportation stepped up with a donation of a 2011 Ford Handi-Bus to benefit the people of Tepic Nayarit, México.
Donations to the Los Amigos Project are critical to the communities in Mexico that do not have the funds or opportunities to purchase these vehicles. This April, a fleet of donated vehicles left Lethbridge, Alberta, to begin the nearly 4,000 km journey to Tepic Nayarit, México.
When the vehicles arrived in Mazatlán, Mexico, the keys were handed over to representatives from Tepic Nayarit, who then drove the final four hours to the fleet’s new home. The convoy’s arrival at its final destination was greeted with much fanfare, including a parade and a special presentation to local officials in the town square.
Randy Smith, Los Amigos Project Coordinator, has seen firsthand the impact these vehicles have in the communities they serve.
“A few years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing what the donation of a handi-bus meant to a number of athletes in wheelchairs. They were so thankful and thrilled with the donation. They explained that they would now be able to travel to neighbouring communities and participate in sporting events. With huge smiles on their faces, they crowded around the bus and kept trying to touch it.”
Southland Transportation is proud to partner with the Los Amigos Project to give these vehicles a new life in Mexico and make a difference in people’s lives.
