San Pedro Belize

What Are You Waiting For?

Time is running out and there are still plenty of families that need a some assistance. A little bird sent me the following press release yesterday and asked if I would spread the word.

You Can Help to Make Sure All San Pedro’s Children Have a ‘Beary’ Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy, happiness, celebration and gifts for so many people here in San Pedro. For some families it’s a struggle and for some children, it seems that Santa just passes them by. None of us likes to think of children going without on Christmas day and so, inspired to spread the true spirit of sharing, a local business in cooperation with an international charity, have come up with a great way for anyone who wants to put a smile on the face of a child this Christmas morning by adopting a bear.

Adopt a Bear is the brainchild of business woman Brittney O’ Daniel, owner of Sandbar Hostel & Restaurant and Kaitlin McWhorter, from Projects Abroad. The concept is simple but genius. All you have to do is pop into Sandbar or Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, who are also supporting this ‘beary’ good idea, and choose a bear from many hanging from their Christmas trees. Each bear has the name and age of a child in need on the back along with their Christmas wish.

Once you’ve adopted that bear, it’s up to you to make the Christmas wish come true by purchasing the gift, wrapping it and returning it. It’s that simple. Brittney and Kaitlin will make sure that the presents are distributed and you can sit back and smile on Christmas Day knowing that you’ve made sure that Santa passed no one by.

So this year, Adopt a Bear for Christmas. They require no feeding or watering, just a healthy dose of kindness and generosity. If you can’t make it down to Sandbar or Crazy Canucks in person, just contact Brittney or Kaitlin and they’ll help make it happen for you.

If you’re wondering where to shop for gifts, good news from Caye Supplies. They have offered an additional 10% off of toys they have already marked down 20% if you bring your bear in with you. That’s so ‘beary’ nice of them!

For more information on how to Adopt a Bear and make San Pedro child’s Christmas wish come true, contact Brittney O’ Daniel at 630-1241.

As luck would have it

As it turns out when the little bird’s press release came in, I was packing my bags to go to Sandbar for a Red Cross boat parade meeting. Having seen the bears start to come up on Facebook as people took their pics in front of the tree to encourage others, I already knew I was going to by one. The email was a timely reminder.

As I looked over a few of the bears to see what kind of things the kids were asking for, I was not surprised by the simplicity of their requests. Many of them wanted clothing, shoes or school supplies, not things most kids ask for these days. Of course there were a few who were hoping for the usual, toys, bikes or tablets.

I did not ask Brittney what would happen if there were bears left over. I was not ready for the answer and did want to think of kids going without a present. I am sure you don’t either, so stop by Sandbar Hostel or Crazy Canucks Beach Bar and get a bear or two today and please encourage a friend to do the same.

Volunteer in Belize
Just some of the many Beary Christmas crew that are stepping up to buy kids presents
Volunteer in Belize
I got my bear did you? There are still too many left. (Thanks for taking my picture Shanti)
Sandbar Hostel
13 year old Yaire’s simple request for clothes
Projects Abroad Belize
Give a kid a Christmas

After the meeting the sky was stunning yesterday so I decided to take a few pictures around the neighborhood. First off the iconic Palapa Bar and Grill is moving south and everyone is thrilled. Owners Scott and Jodie Harnish will be a perfect fit to the neighborhood. The second picture I took because I liked how the palm trees were framing the top. It also has the “other Cadillac” the Infinity in it, it is just as deluxe as the Impromptu our boat parade ride.  Third pic of the kids on the dock is a reminder always stay young and never loose your sense of wonder. Last shot, while I like where I grew up, I would have loved to have a walk home from school like those kids do 🙂

Palapa Bar Belize
New home pf Palapa Bar behind high school kids
San Pedro Belize
The other Cadillac (Infinity) to the left
San Pedro Belize
Kids enjoying dock time at dusk

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