Help The Schools Via Fundacion Patria

[Snowbird]

In case you need a contact for Fundacion Patria while you are visiting the Puerto Plata area, please feel free to contact Mario Mattana at Fun Royale/Tropicale (809) 320 4054, mmatttana@funroyale-tropicale.com or Ramon Ripoll Santana at Riu Merengue (809) 320 4000, clubhotel.merengue@riu.com

Both of these two gentlemen will be more than happy to assist you with arranging school visits or picking up your donations. They can also provide you with more detailed information as to where and how your donation will be put to use.

Thanx

[Remote]

Hello from Halifax!

Thanks for the timely information on where and how to donate. My husband and I are making our first trip to the DR next Saturday and, as it happens, staying at the Fun Royale.

We booked the trip spur of the moment and are travelling on a shoestring budget, but we plan to make room in our luggage and in a sports bag for items that you've mentioned on your list.

Pat

[Snowbird]

Pat,
Thanks for your reply. All of your efforts will be greatly appreciated. As a side note, if for whatever reason Mario is busy, look up a man named Steady Eddie. Eddie works as an onsite guide at the resort. He too can arrange school visits. Eddie can usually be found near the bell captains desk, or over at the taxi office.

If you would like more info about the resort, email me via the sources on this site. If that doesn't work, reply here and I will post my email address.

Again, thanks for what you are doing. The kids will love it.

If you are interested in another group that could use our tourist help, David, one of the bell staff at the resort, manages a local youth baseball team. I had the good fortune to help coach this team when I was there in February. The baseball team, like the school kids, needs donations. They can use balls, gloves, bats, bases, cones ( for drills ), etc. David has about 90 boys ages 7-18. Anything you might want to donate, will be great. If you would like to help David coach, he would be more than willing to have you join him.

Enjoy your Dominican experience!

[Randi]

I'll be taking my first trip in 3 weeks. As a first grade teacher, I applaud the efforts of everyone involved who are trying to improve the conditions and opportunities for the children. I am planning on bringing supplies down and would love to be able to visit a school. Does anyone know if the children have school during the week prior to Easter? I'll be down April 6-11. Thanks.

[Snowbird]

Randi,
I will be checking to see if the schools are in session while you are there. I will post as soon as I have any information.

Thanks for your interest in this project.

Snowbird

[Snowbird]

Randi,
I am sorry to report that my sources tell me that the schools WILL NOT be in session during the dates you are going to visit. They are observing Semana Santa. I feel badly for you because you would have thoroughly enjoyed the excitement your visit would have brought to the students. They love to share their life probably as much as you love to share your donations.

If you are in the Puerto Plata area, please contact Mario or Ramon to receive your generous gifts. If you are not going to be in Puerto Plata, Dream Project or the Sosua project will accept as well.

If I can be of more help, Please email me.

Enjoy your Dominican experience.

SB

[Randi]

Thanks Snowbird. I really appreciate your taking the time to check this out for me. School visit or not, I know what it's like working in difficut conditions in the classroom so my donations will find their way into my suitcase anyway. Only 21 days to go!

[Remote]

Snowbird,

I just wanted to let you know that we've enjoyed shopping for much-needed school supplies and bits and bobs for the kids as we prepare for our trip to the DR on Saturday. Thank you for your dedication and direction! I'll drop a line when we return and let you know how things went.

Pat

[Snowbird]

Pat/Randi,
Thanks for your effort and your energy to bring much needed and appreciated donations. I hope mother nature shines on you while you are having the time of your life.

If I can help in anyway before you leave, pls email. Looking forward to your reports.

Enjoy your Dominican Experience!

SB

[Scoobster]

What an absolutley great feel in this thread!

Good work Snowbird...and what a great job of conveying your message to the good travellers, and posters of this fine forum.

Keep up the great work...as I know that you have the passion it takes.

It feels great to donate!

Cheers
Jimmy