Riviera Maya Fundraising for Firefighters

Riviera Maya Businesses Support Fundraising Effort for Firefighters

6th Annual Three-Legged Race in Playa del Carmen Raises 30,000 MXN for the Bomberos

Playa del Carmen, Mexico, April 18, 2011 – On April 10, 2011, Playa del Carmen residents and visitors gathered together to participate in one the region’s best loved events, the annual Three-Legged Bar Crawl to support the Bomberos of Quintana Roo. A record sixteen teams strapped themselves together for this fun-filled race, winding their way through the busy streets of this seaside city, encouraged by the cheers of onlookers and event sponsors. Organized by Brian Borjesson, President of the Bomberos de la Riviera Maya A.C. and Patronato de Protección Civil para la Riviera Maya A.C., the three legged race is held every year to raise funds for regional firefighters. The Riviera Maya has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. The increase in population has brought a dramatic increase in traffic and a subsequent increase in potentially fatal accidents on the highways. In past years several departments have been gifted with Jaws of Life, equipment which is invaluable in the effort to save lives. The annual Bomberos’ Training Academy, initiated by Borjesson, provides essential instruction for local firemen, teaching them to effectively use these newly acquired tools. With support from guest instructors from the United States, this week-long training exercise is often the only organized instruction available to new firefighters. The Bomberos’ Training Academy is now going into its 11th session, an effort funded by donations from residents, visitors and Riviera Maya business leaders like Rob Kinnon, owner of BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors, a Playa del Carmen real estate brokerage. “Until 1995, this city did not have a fire department. If your home or place of business caught on fire, the only chance of saving life and property was a neighborhood bucket brigade!” recalled Kinnon “The three-legged race and similar fundraising efforts are essential to support the Bomberos and ensure the safety of our community. We have contributed to this event every year and we encourage our friends and fellow business owners to do the same.” This year, the 6th annual Three-Legged Bar Crawl earned over 30,000 MXN, money that will go toward the purchase of updated emergency equipment, training and community services. To make a donation or for more information about the Bomberos, please contact Brian Borjesson at sicomono[at]prodigy.net.mx.