Edson Rotary Club member Shari McDowell didn’t know much Spanish before she headed out on the annual Highway to Mexico trip but what she learned will assist her in times of need.
“I can ask where the bathroom is – which is pretty important.”
McDowell, along with Rotary colleague Murray Heinrich left Edson on March 7. McDowell drove the truck on the first leg to Acheson, near Edmonton, where the Edson Rotarians met up with their Grande Prairie club counterparts. The group overnighted in Lethbridge, before crossing the US border the next day. McDowell and Heinrich were expected to share the driving to Mexico. The Rotarians are expected to arrive in Mazatlan on March 21.
The gift from the Edson Rotary Club was a fire truck donated by the County of Grande Prairie.
Following their arrival, Heinrich, a veteran firefighter, will train Mexican firefighters on vehicle extrication techniques.
One of the gifts taken down by the Edson Rotary Club members was Jaws of Life equipment. Other equipment includes two-way radios from Morad Communications.
Contributing to the effort was Diesel Shop personnel, which prepared the fire truck and 3Penguin Signs, which donated decals.
McDowell said she was very impressed by the generosity of Edson and area residents who raised $2,300 for the Mazatlan Shelter for Girls.
Heinrich has made the Highway to Mexico trip a total of eight times. For McDowell it’s her first time. The two Rotary clubs have taken vehicle convoys to Mexico a total of 12 times and have contributed 61 vehicles to their Mexican counterparts over the years. This year the haul is five fire trucks and two ambulances.
He said memorable moments in past trips include the interaction between Americans and the Edson and Grande Prairie residents when the group makes gas stops.
“When we stop for fuel people always stop and talk to us.”
The group will spend up to a week in Mexico before flying back.
Follow the Highway to Mexico trip on Facebook. Many local residents have already done that.
“We had 700 hits on the first night,” said Heinrich.
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