Cozumel Chrysalis

Kids of Cozumel need help to enable them to get an education. Your support can help to buy shoes, school uniforms, pens, pencils, notebooks, dictionaries and other necessary school supplies that some families cannot afford. Cozumel Chrysalis Group is a nonprofit organization that was formed by kind and caring Americans to help deserving students attend public school. This group has been helping students since 1995 when it sponsored 19 students. Chrysalis has continued to grow with the generous help of travelers to the island. Currently the group sponsors approximately 180 students in primary and secondary school as well as high school. Chrysalis believes that basic education is essential to help children succeed in life. All kids deserve a chance and your donation can make a world of difference.

Is the program working? YES, because kind folks who care have been generous with their gifts of clothing, cash and school supplies. The kids are thriving thanks to people who have given from their hearts with gifts both large and small. Every little bit helps!

A couple of shining examples of the success of Chrysalis are pictured at left. Ligia Margarita Beatriz Ortega and Rony Humberto Villanueva Ortega have excelled in school and the future looks bright for them. Sister and brother, Ligia and Rony have thrived with help from Chrysalis and are at the top of their class. Donations from Chrysal have allowed them to stay in school and focus on their education.

You can make a difference in a child's life.

• Sponsor an elementary student for $50 US per year or a junior high student for $150 US per year.

• Make a cash donation in any amount. Even the smallest donation is appreciated. Without financial support these children cannot afford to attend school.

• Donate good, clean, used clothing. Chrysalis sells used clothing to locals at a nominal price in order to generate funds for the Chrysalis program. The locals benefit with good quality clothing at affordable prices. Give your good quality used clothing so that a child can attend school. Clothing for all ages is appreciated and will be sold with all proceeds used for school supplies for local children.

• Bring school supplies like pens, pencils, notebooks or other items to donate. School supplies are much needed and will be given to children in need.

When planning your trip to the island, leave some room in your suitcase to pack some articles of clothing or school supplies. Or make a cash donation when you arrive. You can drop your donations off at Cozumel's Mini-Golf (stay and play a game just for fun, too!). Mini-Golf is located on 15th Ave. just inland from the main plaza. It is located high on the hill, south of the water tower. Or, you can drop items at Alicia's Bed & Breakfast (on the island, call Alicia at 872-5478 for directions).

Travel to Cozumel and savor the beauty of the island; take home wonderful memories and leave a meaningful gift with any donation you can make.

If you would like more information about Chrysalis, please e-mail: cozkids@hotmail.com or visit our website at: www.barefootincozumel.com/chrys

Your support will be appreciated SO much and you can make a big difference in at least one child's life!

Cozumel Humane Society

If you are an animal lover, the Humane Society of Cozumel needs your help.

The recognized Humane Society exists in Cozumel thanks to a small, one-time grant authorized by the Mexican government in 1993. That grant was sufficient to build a clinic/shelter, which has been operating since April 1996, attended by a full time resident veterinarian. The priority of the program is to run a free spay-neuter campaign in order to control the serious pet overpopulation help the animalson the island. The clinic offers at-cost vet services, an adoption program, and euthanasia at no cost.

The shelter is completely dependent on donations and volunteerism and any help is sincerely appreciated. A donation of only 1 peso from every visitor to the island would be enough to allow the society to continue their important work. If you would like to help them, drop a few pesos in the collection boxes in shops throughout the island (Rock N Java Cafe on the waterfront by Barracuda Hotels has one!). If you are planning a trip to the island and have a bit of spare room in your suitcase, bring an animal "care package." Here are a few suggestions:

Dog or cat treats
Surgical gloves
Cotton, gauze, suture,
Iodine, rubbing alcohol, disinfectant or other cleaning products
Old towels
Food or water bowls
Collars or leashes (used are fine)
Pet shampoo
Flea & tick products
Ink cartridges for Hewlett Packard inkjet color printer, (HP 51625A or B&W HP 51633M)
File folders or office supplies in general
Single bed sheets
Hospital scrub shirts
Dog and cat carriers or e-mail us for a current "Wish List".

A group of environmental and ecologically-aware individuals on the island volunteer many hours each year to help save the sea turtles of Cozumel. If you'd like to provide a contribution to this group, please let us know. Sponsor a sea turtle and give it a name; it could live happily ever after–or up to 200 years–on the reefs of Cozumel. See more about the turtle protection project.