The past year has been a sad and quiet one for our organization. The loss of Peter Morris, one of our founders and the main financial  supporter of our projects, has significantly impacted the current and future operations of Abrazos Canada (AC). Additionally, the limitations imposed by the Covid 19 pandemic have left their mark on what we were able to accomplish in the 2021-22 period.

Peter Morris, Treasure and Founder of the organization,  died in September 2021 in his Waterloo home. He has always been an inspiration to me and will be missed by many, in Canada and in Mexico alike.

Abrazos was able to continue with 2 projects in Mexico, sadly we had to put a temporary stop to our work in Ecuador.

The rehabilitation Centre Pina Palmera in Oaxaca received financial support, unfortunately I was not able to travel due to Covid-imposed restrictions.

The projects in Chiapas also received financial support;Paul Poirier from Arthur Frederick Community Builders (AFCB) was able to visit and support the remote community of Albores de Zapata.

Our partnering organization in Mexico,  the NGO Madre Tierra ( MT) has been actively involved in the area for several years (more details in our past reports or on our website) and was determined to assist with the securing of a sustainable water source, independent from the governmental supply.

The community consists of 50 indigenous families that have been displaced due to appropriation of land by past governments;  eventually the people have claimed their right to a piece of land on which to live, and have been granted the right to settle. Unfortunately, the land they received is quite inhospitable and devoid of sources of healthy drinking water. For the past 15 years (basically since they settled) they have relied on a sporadic, non-potable water supply via pipeline form a nearby community. Apart from being barely enough for consumption needs, this water has resulted in numerous bursts of gastrointestinal ailments from dysentery to typhoid fever.   

In 2020-21 Abrazos and AFCB have supported the presence of a hydrologist; he determined the best possible location for a well and estimated the depth of digging necessary to strike water (around 100m or more).

In cooperation with the community, MT and AFCB, were able to hire a well-digging team and gradually, after several delays, the work begun.

Water started to well up at 70m, was well established at 80m : clean, with good pressure, indicating a rich aquifer.

The holding tank in the existing water tower  was cleaned and repaired. It was a bit of luck that it could be reused – -no more funds were available for major repairs or the building of a new tower. Solar panels were constructed to power the pump needed to push the water and fill the tank. Pipes were connected to run from well, to tower, to homes.

Finally, at the end of May 2022, the community was able to hold a Mayan celebration  to mark the official moment : “taps on! water is running !” and the completion of  2 years of work.

Our thanks go to Madre Tierra Mexico, an organization that involves indigenous communities in caring for themselves and developing the skills they need to become independent in sustainable ways. Madre Tierra’s constant support and encouragement over the past 7 years, with assistance from 2 Canadian organizations (AFCB and ABRAZOS who raised approximately 30.000 Canadian dollars) made it possible for the  300 people of  Albores de Zapata to drink clean water and live free of water-transmitted diseases.