October Newsletter – Mexico
A dream that became reality
The dream of every non government organisation is to become financially self-sustainable, with a constant and stable income that allows it to survive without depending on donations from the government or companies.
The history of Rene’s Gym
Two years ago, when the group of devotees first visited Rene’s Gym, they were shocked to see the humble abandoned house it was in. The tin roof had no structure to hold it, and a strong wind could send it flying. Little by little and with the help of Vivanza, a construction company where Rene worked, the gym became something else.
As part of their service, the Seva group advised Rene on how to convert the second abandoned house into a medical examining and psychological counseling room. An all-purpose room was also adapted for giving workshops on different trades.
Rene was also advised on how to legally set up a nonprofit civil association that would allow him to receive different kinds of support from the government.
René getting ready to produce
The dream of every civil association is to become a financially self-sustainable organisation, with a constant and stable income that allows it to survive without depending on donations from the government or companies.
Today Rene’s Gym also has a tortilleria (tortilla factory), thanks to the group’s counselling along with financial support from Vivanza Construction Co. They have been producing tortillas for three months now, which are sold and delivered to homes in the same neighborhood. The next step will be to supply an industrial kitchen in a foreign-based assembly plant (maquiladora or maquila) located near the gym.
Rene and his father, along with a young woman who is a member of the gym, are in charge of producing the tortillas and have been counselled by a devotee to be able to be approved by the maquila’s supplier quality audit. If they pass the audit, they will be able to supply approximately 140 kilograms of tortillas daily.
