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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Hand Up

by tacogirl 22/03/2021
Hand Up

You Can Give NGOs In Belize A “Hand Up” By Sponsoring An Ad Package.

There is an old Kriol saying in Belize “Han wash han.” Translation- sometimes we need other people to help fulfill our purpose, and cooperation benefits everyone.

I decided to form Hand Up as an initiative to help Belize’s many worthy non-governmental organizations (NGOs and .orgs), by giving them an annual ad space sponsored by an individual or business. During my 15 years in Belize, I have volunteered with numerous charitable organizations. Many of these nonprofit groups have little to no budget for marketing and are always striving to raise awareness. Along with helping a worthy cause with advertising (and my blog to recover from Covid income loss), your sponsorship will give each .org a dedicated info page that links back to key places on their site.

So far, the following great organizations have joined Hand Up and need your help.

  • ACES Wildlife Rescue
  • Belize Zoo
  • Mar Alliance
  • Oceana Belize
  • Saga Humane Society (SHS) – sponsored 6 months.
  • San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) and Belize Cancer Center (BCC)
  • Triple R Response (RRR) – sponsored one year.
  • Wildtracks
  • Don’t see your favorite NGO? Let’s get them included, email me at Laurie@tacogirl.com.

By sponsoring a 6 or 12-month ad package for a worthy organization you will be helping them in many ways. Your sponsorship will:

  1. Raise awareness about their services and needs.
  2. Help their stories be told in a heartfelt and informative way.
  3. Increase NGO exposure to a diversified global demographic and showcase the remarkable work being done.
  4. Assist in fundraising and wish list donations.
  5. Help generate referrals of volunteers.
Added Bonus

As an added bonus, for sponsoring an ad, you will be giving the NGOs access to my grant writing skills on their team. I gained my grant experience in 2019 with Advance LLC, a Lousiana-based company that serves growing nonprofits on the path to achieving their mission and vision. It was a great online education being on their team. I learned a lot from their years of experience working in the nonprofit sector – they have raised over $20 million from diverse funding sources. My job was to answer the preliminary grant questions, after which they were edited as needed. Applications were all related to improving socioeconomic growth and breaking the poverty cycle in disadvantaged communities in New Orleans.

Why Each Organization Is Worth Sponsoring:

Aces Wildlife Rescue

ACES is a non-profit organization focused on protected species, specifically Crocodilians, and the conservation of crucial wetland habitats. Community education and rehabilitation are also part of their mission. This team of volunteers operates 24-7 with emergency wildlife response on Ambergris Caye – 623-7920. In 2020, ACES responded to 241 wildlife calls and handled a total of 133 animals. In Oct 2020, I was able to give Aces a donation from my locally and internationally fundraised island clean-up supplies. Some cut-resistant gloves were donated by Team Grassfed, and garbage grabbers were donated by Isla Bonita Yacht Club.

NGOs in Belize
Smiling crocodile – photo credit ACES

Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC)

Focused on wildlife conservation through wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center exhibits over 200 animals and 45 + local species. Located in Belmopan in the Cayo District, it was founded in 1983, from a need to provide a home for wild animals that were abandoned after a documentary film about tropical rain forests. I have been to the zoo a couple of times (once overnight) and really admire their work. They do an amazing job of taking care of injured and donated animals. When possible they will release them safely back into the jungle where they belong.

 NGOs in Belize
An Ocelot I saw on the Belize Zoo night tour, loved it and my overnight Tropical Education Center stay

Mar Alliance

This organization is comprised of a thoughtful and knowledgeable group of scientists, conservationists, educators, fishers, students, guides, entrepreneurs, rangers, communicators, divers, and decision-makers. All with a common goal – meaningful conservation and positive change; for both endangered marine life & their habitats, and food-dependent local communities. The Mar Alliance team shares a positive global vision of people practicing mindful conservation to enable healthy and thriving marine life throughout the world’s tropical seas.

NGOs in Belize
Belize’s Half Moon Caye – protected area – photo credit Rachel Graham of Mar Alliance

Oceana Belize

Established in 2001, Oceana is the largest international ocean conservation and advocacy organization. Working to restore the oceans to their former glory, Oceana advocates for ocean restoration and science-based fishery management to help make our oceans as healthy and plentiful as they used to be. Their global offices work together to identify practical solutions and make them happen. By implementing targeted campaigns with measurable results, Oceana has accomplished dozens of official policy wins for marine life. They stopped bottom trawling to protect sea turtles and sensitive coral from the invasive commercial fishing gear. Oceana Belize was also instrumental in getting the Environmental Protection Resolution signed into law. That important initiative to stop pollution from plastics started the phasing-out of single-use plastics in Belize. Oceana’s hard work and achievements represent a new hope for the safety and biodiversity of marine life in Belize and worldwide.

hole chan marine reserve ambergris caye belize

Saga Humane Society (SHS)

Founded in 1999, Saga is the sole non-profit veterinary clinic on Ambergris Caye. SHS offers affordable pet care services, a spay/neuter clinic, a shelter for strays, and coordinates foster homes & adoptions. Volunteers and staff also advocate humane education within the community. Saga’s goal is to prevent cruelty and promote kindness to all domesticated and wild animals. Pre-Covid, in a last-minute inspiration for a Halloween fundraising effort, I held a donation box design challenge. The two entries raised extra funds and the article about the Halloween fundraiser brought worldwide awareness to Saga’s work. Click through to learn more about SAGA Humane Society and individuals and businesses crowdfunded their 6-month ad package.

NGOs in Belize
Fort Dog – photo credit Saga Humane Society

San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) and Belize Cancer Center (BCC)

Formed in 2010 this group has tenacity with their motto: Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken, and never, ever giving up! Early detection is the key to survival, especially in a country such as Belize, with a challenged medical system. They work closely with the Belize Cancer Center (BCC) in Dangriga, and this ad is a package deal for both. The BCC subsidizes approximately $10,000 a month to help 55 disadvantaged patients across Belize get cancer care. Before it was dissolved due to Covid, my Tropic Air flight Code for a Cause (CFC) raised $3,799 for the Belize Cancer Center. Thanks to one of my long-time readers (with six degrees of separation) Kristie Settas-Jones and her birthday vacation crew for helping both causes at my request. In addition to using CFC, they brought needed office supplies for the San Pedro Cancer Society as well. While on Ambergris, Kristie also planned an island scavenger hunt, and that fun event, raised, $300 BZD which was donated to the SPCS.

Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga
The Belize Cancer Center building in Dangriga

Triple R Response (RRR)

Triple R was created after a tragic aquatic accident on the island, from a desire to implement a water emergency response team on Ambergris Caye. Currently, this small volunteer-based group are the only emergency responders on the island. Triple R offers 24-7 response for water, land, and medical emergencies – 627-1117. Their goal is to help protect human life. Since they agreed to be in the program, I have been working with Billy and Traci to see how I can best help them with island safety and public awareness education. Click through to learn more about RRR emergency response team and which safety-minded, luxury resort sponsored their ad package.

NGOs in Belize
Triple R Response and Rescue Wings of Hope Plane San Pedro Airport – photo credit RRR

Wildtracks

Established in 1990 and located near Sarteneja, Wildtracks believes in protecting tomorrow, today, through results-oriented conservation projects. The organization performs ecosystem conservation, rehabilitation, and release of injured animals, along with protecting endangered species in Belize, and their habitats. More specifically they work with manatees, howler and spider monkeys. Wildtracks also works with Belizean Youth, (sometimes inner city) teaching them about the environment and inspiring them to help protect the Jewel that is Belize.

 NGOs in Belize
Rehabilitated, howler monkey, Innie – photo courtesy of Wildtracks

Thank you for giving a helping “Hand Up” by sponsoring a 6 or 12-month ad package to one of our country’s fantastic NGOs. For more details please email laurie@tacogirl.com. Your support will make a world difference. Sponsor recognition can be for you, yours, or on behalf of someone else’s business, or anonymously.

If you want to help tacogirl blog on this important effort in a different way than purchasing an ad package, you can make a PayPal donation to laurie@tacogirl.com

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Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
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Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
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We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
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Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
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We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
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I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
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Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
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I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
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Greg Cox
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I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
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I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
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tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
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As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
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We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
ksniegoc1
ksniegoc1
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It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
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I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
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Corey Holm
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I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Carol Taylor
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Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
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I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
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I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
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William Jones
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Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
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Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
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Michael Rieck
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Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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