Santo Domingo's Children Seek Help

Medellin Traveler says on Jun 23, 2009, 09:58:

Thank you for your kind donation, muchas gracias a usted!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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mranderson says on Jun 23, 2009, 10:18:

Where can I buy some of those cookies and baked goods?

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Sabores Nuevos says on Jun 23, 2009, 10:38:

If you are a registered non religious and apolitical charity, we pledge 4 outers of breakfast cereals as part of our CSR programme

http://saboresnuevos.com/products/dorsetcereals/index.html

Contact us for details.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 23, 2009, 10:54:

mranderson,
There is a stand set up out front of Hotel Dann Carlton today where you can make purchases and donate any monies you would like to contribute as well.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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mranderson says on Jun 23, 2009, 11:00:

Ok thanks. Do they change locations and how can I find them another day like tomorrow?

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 23, 2009, 11:02:

I believe they will be tomorrow as well.

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MitchAlvarez says on Jun 23, 2009, 12:49:

mt are you here in medallo right now?

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chrispej says on Jun 23, 2009, 18:42:

"We are also planning on helping a family with four small children who recently lost their home along with all their personal belongings in a fire."

I will be in Medellin in September, I would like to help out with the above.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 24, 2009, 06:33:

MitchAlvarez,
Si parcero, llamame.

It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day here in Medallo!

There is one day left for people to make donations before we hike up the hill to Santo Domingo.

Remember, all donations regardless of how small are greatly appreciated.

chrispej,
Thank you for your kind services. I will post more information after I learn more about the family's current situation.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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dwmte7 says on Jun 24, 2009, 14:13:

MT...you're always such an ace. you too, mitch. let me know how it goes.
douglas

patriarch

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kenblanquito says on Jun 24, 2009, 14:14:

Medellin traveller-a lovely cause and I wish I had a way of contributing. After being a fraud victim, never again will I give any card transactions by internet.
Have you not left this post a little late? Perhaps I could have found a way to help with more time available?
Good luck with it anyway. Do you often do things like this?

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 13:48:

The view from Barrio Pinar a very poor barrio past Santo Domingo.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 13:54:

Barrio Pinar.

The barrio is very hot at the moment so I could not take as many photos as I would have liked, but my safety is more important.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 13:56:

The children in the area were great about welcoming a norteamericano to their barrio.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 14:04:

These young boys helped separate and bag the food donated to families in the barrio.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 14:05:

The young girl is accepting food for her family.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 14:07:

This girl cracked me up with her smile.

I AM EXHAUSTED and in DESPERATE NEED OF A SHOWER!

MORE TO COME LATER ...

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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mranderson says on Jun 25, 2009, 16:11:

He isn´t out of line if he doesn´t know who medellin traveler is.

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roccatanski says on Jun 25, 2009, 20:23:

I can't believe the mods made this a sticky without confirming first if this is legitimate and not just a link going to some guys paypal account that is "registered" to a hotmail address.For any legitimate charity the email to which the payments go should be a real domain and be part of the charities website.
Paypal accounts are not audited, who is to say how much he gets in this account for the charity ,I would also GUESS that the supposed organization Corporacion Tu Cuentas does not have access to this paypal account in the above link, seems like it is all about trust here,trusting a person you never met on the internet and hoping they do the right thing,not really my thing.

Also if you do an exact google search of this organization "Corporacion Tu Cuentas" the only mention of it anywhere is from the Medellin Traveler.

"A man is defined by his actions, not his memory" ( Kuato-- total recall)

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:24:

The ride up going up toward Barrio Pinar.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:26:

Our destination takes us past Santo Domingo.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:29:

On the way up toward Barrio Pinar.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:32:

Past the point of no return.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:36:

Waiting for the bus at Santo Domingo station at the end of the metrocable.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:37:

On the bus toward Barrio Pinar.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:41:

Gloria, a one woman organization dedicated to helping poor families in Medellin.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:44:

Some of the single mothers who signed up for Gloria's program which includes lessons on how to make candles.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:47:

The women build a fire to prepare the first step in making candles.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:49:

The pot is boiling.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:50:

The beginning of the class on how to make your own candles.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:53:

The organization is dedicated to helping single mothers provide a source of income for themselves by teaching them how to make candles which they can sell to help earn money.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 22:59:

It's amazing how happy the women were when making the candles.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:01:

The work of women in Barrio Pinar.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:06:

The women took pride in their work.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:08:

The women of Barrio Pinar show off their hard work.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:13:

The food arrives.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:16:

The young boys help unload the food.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:20:

The kindness of several PBH members contributed in purchasing of food, muchas gracias.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:24:

Several young kids help Gloria bag the meat.

GOOD NIGHT.....

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Catfish35 says on Jun 25, 2009, 23:27:

Come on folks....
Anybody can understand some sense of of suspicion in giving to charity..especially in this economic climate.
But lets just look at this for a second.
MT is a well established member here at PBH. He seldom to ever has cross words to anyone (except when RAAAY pushes his buttons,lol)!
Many members I believe have met him personally. He obviously has a passion for what he does and his interests in Colombia.
I understand that none of this makes him exempt from being a scammer!
However, if none of this helps you ease your worried minds, then please consider the spirit and essence of charity.
Give what you can from your heart. Your intentions create the karma in which can make your money work regardless if it ever makes it the children.
I have not yet donated, but have every intention to do so. I personally believe that MT has established himself enough to at least warrant a few bucks to buy a few carrots or maybe my few bucks may go into MT's gas tank so he can drive to the store to buy the carrots from somebody else's few bucks..
Come on and cut him some slack. If you can't do it or just don't trust it then just let it be..

Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

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Robert Jorge says on Jun 26, 2009, 01:14:

Catfish - I totally agree. Nothing I can add - you said it all.

Good luck MedellinTrav.

I have one question though: What kind of meat was that in the above picture? Looks like hog face parts or steer joints. Not that I wouldn't eat it. It would make a great soup. Besides the morcilla, the best part of the picada I had on my last trip was a hog jaw. Here's a picture:

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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nueva york bombero says on Jun 26, 2009, 06:04:

I've met and hung out with MT.
He is genuine and not a scam artist.
His interests in Medellin, I believe, are pure and true.
Late night is another story though!!!
Great Effort MT!! I wish I were there to help.
I've done this same thing there and it fealt great. Money can't buy this kind of feeling.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:00:

Talk about POUR BUT HAPPY.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:04:

The woman's baby has a brain tumor yet she manages to smiles as she struggles with the lack of resources to help treat her young boy.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:08:

La seniora del barrio comes to personally thank Gloria for her efforts.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:13:

A woman recieves her care package.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:15:

The women wait in line before being called to recieve a care package.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:23:

This woman is raising 4 children on her own after her husband was murdered two years ago. And as if that is not enough, she was shot in the face a few months back by a stray bullet loosing her right eye in the process.

I personally met and spoke to each women and listened to some very heartbreaking stories but these strong women some how find the strenght to make it through the day.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:44:

This young girl offers Gloria a drink in appreciation of her commitment to helping out families in need.

I take no credit for the event, nor expect anything in return. My goal was to give a little back to the people of Medellin after meeting so many great paisas who have gone out of their way to make my trips memorable. Not to mention my 3 day expedicion through Antioquia last weekend with 9 complete strangers from Colombia and one norteamericano. A trip that probably changed my life forever, but that is another thread all together.

All credit should go to Gloria for her efforts in organizing these events. If anyone is personally intersted in helping out you can contact me and I will give you Gloria's contact information. The organization is the work of two women, Paula and Gloria. It has no affiliation with any religious or political group, it's just two women's passion for helping out those in need.

Special thanks to Catalina for teaching the women how to make candles with the goal of allowing the women to earn a living on their own.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:50:

MUCHA GRACIS TO THOSE WHO MADE DONATIONS!

I ONLY WISH YOU WERE PRESENT TO SEE HOW MUCH THESE PEOPLE GREATLY APPRECIATED YOUR KINDNESS.

BLESS YOUR HEARTS!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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dwmte7 says on Jun 26, 2009, 09:05:

MT....again, you're such an ace. i've known you on and off pbh now for a few years and i can say, unequivocally, you're the ONLY person, i've known that has gone into the barrios and HELPED. you've shed light where there was none, you've shown how 85-90 percent of ALL colombians live....when most tourists and KNOW IT ALL'S (you know who you are) never get past the likes of lleras and mangos. no no no, folks, i'm not throwing rocks, so put your hair back in place and pay attention. there is so much of colombia many of you will NEVER know. never have a clue about. a real living breathing caring, crying colombia with dire need. and they still manage to smile.

all this crap if MT is a right guy. take a hike. be here a while, don't just read back posts and 'KNOW EVERYTHING" before you judge anyone here. get to know yourself. that's your draw back. once you get that figured out, you wont have questions about anyone else any longer.

brother catfish just journeyed into the dark in choco and got a taste of the colombia no body sees. i've been there, i've been where MT goes. and before there's a wasted thread here....go, see these places, see the REAL colombia, the real poverty and suffering where these REAL colombians in all their hardship, still look at you with a smile and actually care...about you and others.

i'm on everybody's side here, but don't look for headlines and free press at the expense of those who have earned our respect on pbh. and amongst those, MT is at the top of the list.

thank you traveller, for all you've done and all you've shared with us here on pbh.
douglas

d

patriarch

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:48:

dwmte7 says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:34:

WHAT THE FUCK?

patriarch

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lpdiver says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:37:

yeah he's spamming all the threads.

ts

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 27, 2009, 11:17:

makopp5,
Good times at 3 Cordilleras.

It was great meeting you along with your two amigos, muy amable. We must have drank a barrel of beer altogether.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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coffee beaner says on Jun 27, 2009, 13:31:

MT had fun last night man, btw my g/f saw the article of you in El Colombiano... she said you have a huge picture and article! Good shit man!

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nueva york bombero says on Jun 27, 2009, 14:03:

MT You glory hound!
What's next..... a key to the city???

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dwmte7 says on Jun 27, 2009, 15:44:

excuse the outburst up there folks...my old potty mouth...but when i saw some flake, popping in, trying to flog shoes, i flipped. it's since been deleated.

mods...you can delete my outburst also.

thank you, douglas

patriarch

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 29, 2009, 00:10:

rumronrum,
I documented the event in photographs so I am not in any of the photos.

coffeebeaner,
Good hanging out with you and your g/f.

azunoman.
I am flying back to the states but you can stil help Gloria with whatever assistance you can provide.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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El Expatriado says on Jun 29, 2009, 03:43:

Hey, most of you guys live in Medellin, at least part time. And your all retired anyway. Why not just meet up with him and check it out. Better yet, how about donating your time. Better than just chasing young skirt around all the time. Gives people value to thier lives.

And a bunch of guys together giving out food is a lot safer than one or 2. You could meet at the Barking Spider, go to the Barrio, do your stuff, and go back to the Barking Spider for beers. Kind of ike a HashHouse Harriers event for a good cause.

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MitchAlvarez says on Jun 29, 2009, 15:39:

el expatriado whats wrong with chasing skirts?

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Catfish35 says on Jun 29, 2009, 23:16:

How about getting all of us old retired farts at the bottom of the hill...strap shit to our backs...and put young skirts in front of us to begin walking up the hill..sorta like the carrot on a stick afront of the old donkey...jajaja

Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 30, 2009, 07:17:

After a month in Colombia it is time for me to say goodbye.

This was my best trip by far and for many reasons, but this event really helps to put life into perspective. So many of us have more than we need yet we are missing something in our lives that makes it worth living. Some of the people I met in Barrio Pinar go days without eating a proper meal and many have heartbreaking stories yet they were all warm and welcoming of a norteamericano into their barrio. They shine light into my soul.

Also, the friends and contacts I made on this trip was nothing short of amazing especially for a norteamericano on holiday for a few weeks.

It was also good meeting up with several PBH members for a beer or two and some guaro as well. Good times in Medellin.

I hate to say goodbye to Colombia but such is life.

Saludos a todos los paisas ! ! !

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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dwmte7 says on Jun 30, 2009, 08:21:

catfish.....a wonderful opportunity for you to use those humanitarian skills of yours to help these folks. i think you'ld be great as a good samaritan in these barrios. i hope we can get back during christmas so i can pitch in a back and a pair of hands.

d

patriarch

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whitewidow says on Jul 1, 2009, 13:39:

nice work, MT

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 5, 2009, 00:15:

I never found it hard to find good beef, but I also lived in the cradle of the beef industry in Colombia. So maybe that made it unique? But meat was everywhere and cheap. Even fish. When I say "cheap", I even mean affordable by lower estrato Colombian standards. No, people weren't eating filet mignon and New York strip everyday - but you can buy decent size cuts of flank, skirt, roast, etc for 1/4 the price in the US. A lb. of "normal" beef, cost me 3 or 4 mil in a supermarket. In neighborhood tiendas, it tended to be even less. In a sit down restaurant serving carne roasted over a wood fire, it was 9 mil for over a pound, cut right off the side of cow, with yucca and potatoes. I found chicken to be the most expensive meat - at least in Villao. But you could / can buy a whole roasted chicken with platanos and potatoes for 11 mil. (in a neighborhood restaurant)

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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