Breakfast to help Piña Palmera after hurricane By Tony Richards on July 21, 2012

Breakfast to help Piña Palmera after hurricane

By Tony Richards on July 21, 2012

Repairing the damage caused by Hurricane Carlotta

More than one month later and Piña Palmera is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Carlotta. The centre for rehabilitation and support for people with disabilities — physical, mental and of mobility — is located near Pochutla in an area that was hit hard by the hurricane on June 15
For that reason, supporters of Piña Palmera in Puerto Escondido have organized an event for Sunday, July 29 at the Hotel Arcoiris, on Playa Zicatela. The event will include breakfast (the hotel is well known for its “breakfasts for a cause” which have sought support for Piña Palmera en recent years) with entertainment and more, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Representatives of Piña Palmera have estimated that it will take 12 to 15 weeks of intense work by at least 13 people to repair the damage of the hurricane. Ten of those would be in charge of rebuilding the roofs and clearing up the surrounding vegetation, while the other three would take on repairs to the rainwater catchment system.

Although the centre will receive some government funds, it is felt they won’t be sufficient. As well, the government support will provide them with laminate roofing, a product that the centre believes is unsuitable in the region due to its fragility and susceptibility to oxidation because of the humidity. It is also a product that transmits a lot of heat. The existing — and damaged — roofs of Piña Palmera are palapa, but the price of the palms has risen due to heavy demand brought on by the effects of the hurricane.
The centre has issued an urgent call for help from local communities, foundations and other funding sources for either financial support or the donation of materials.
“For Piña Palmera, the rapid reconstruction of its facilities will permit a return in as short a time as possible to its work in rehabilitation . . . . “ The centre works with about 500 people with disabilities.
The event on Sunday the 29^th will include a breakfast buffet, awareness-raising videos, artesans, free admission to the hotel pool and live music by María Jimena. The cost of admission is $200; $150 for children.

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