WSG Charities in Argentina

[Admin]

Greetings everyone,

The Argentina Forum has been moved to:

www.ArgentinaPrivate.com

If you were a WSG Senior Member OR if you had ever posted in the Argentina Section of the WSG prior to April 1st, 2005, then you are already registered as a member in the new Forum.

If you are not already registered at ArgentinaPrivate.com, then you are invited to become a member. Registration is free, and new member activations are done every day.

Thanks,

Jackson

[Jaimito Cartero]

The trouble is they are old Pentium 1 class machines with tiny hard drives, no CD ROM's, no modems, and require 66 mgz. simm memory.

The old IBM bios won't recognize any hard drive bigger then 8 gigs.

I've got lots of older stuff, but I usually took the HDs out to put in the new machines. 8 gigs are pretty darn small. I won't be coming down until May, but will bring some stuff down then if you still need it.

[Member #3430]

Hey Guys

A few weeks ago Maria Molinari's company (Standard Charter Bank) donated 3 old IBM computers to be refurbed and given to the comodores.
We want to install them and the charity will pay the monthly connect fee (19 pesos/mo.) to give them Internet access. This would also also allow them to email us with special needs.

The trouble is they are old Pentium 1 class machines with tiny hard drives, no CD ROM's, no modems, and require 66 mgz. simm memory.

The old IBM bios won't recognize any hard drive bigger then 8 gigs.

SO.......

If anyone is heading down this way and has any of that kind of stuff lying around, we could really use it.

Please email or PM me if you have any questions about the kind of stuff we need to get these things up and running.
Free admission to any mansion party to anyone who shows up with a piece of hardware we can use!


Thanks !!!

David

[JavMav]

Have to second everything Thomas said, except the idea that all who were there were helpful. It took me 30 minutes to pick up fast food, and then I ruined half of it.

The kids were awesome. They were naturally respectful, polite, and pleasant. Not in a contrived sort of way, but very genuine. You could see a real sense of community as the older kids, boys and girls, took care of the younger ones. The adults that ran the comedors had hearts that filled the tiny facilities.

Jackson and the WSG participants were awesome, too. It was obvious that everyone was there just to do a little something for a lot of kids, not to feel good about him or herself. Regarding girlfriends, you all have chosen each other well. They are compassionate people.

For those not intimately familiar, these kids WSG helped are a special kind of poor. The areas visited are rather vast networks of dirt roads densely populated with one-story brick, tin and wood dwellings. Many of the 'houses' were abandoned by the original owners and are occupied by squatters. This complicates matters, as government support in these areas is informal. I didn't notice carpeting, HVAC, hot-water heaters or insulation anywhere. The sewage system has deteriorated to the extent that much of it runs through open ditches.

People have donated their 'homes,' or space in their homes to provide quasi-daycare facilities. They have come to be known as comedors. Jackson and CO. identified these as the focus for WSG Charities, having provided presents, supplies and gas ovens to the comedors. This was a significant improvement as cooking was previously accomplished in indoor/outdoor open-flame barrels or the equivalent.

The experience is NOT depressing however, as the spirit of the children and adults is quite healthy and moving. Yesterday was a very happy day for many of them, and all of you who contributed time or money should be very proud.

Thank you guys for having me tag along, despite my status as dead-weight. Perhaps I can contribute more significantly in the upcoming year with additional time and effort.

Jav'

[One Tree Hill]

Thomaso,

Thanks for that report. I wish I could have gone. I plan to make a few contributions and hopefully go next year.

Jackson - you are doing a good thing!

[Thomaso276]

I had the pleasure of going along for the annual Xmas gift giving to the comedores on Monday. Let me tell you guys, Jackson and Silvina are probably the most organized folks in the country. Scores of toys were bagged and prepared for both the boys and girls. The donations from the dinner bought enough presents for all the kids. The van was on time and the trip was mapped out. Nothing was left to chance. Autopilot is a word that comes to mind. I do not know where Jackson and Silvina get the time to do these things and to do them so well.

Adults and the children of the comedores was waiting when we arrived. Man, these kids were so polite and pleasant. The adults and parents treated us like visiting dignitaries. The kids appreciate whatever extra they have and the emotions of receiving toys were something to see. Some kids would not take their toy cars or dolls out of the hard plastic package, preferring instead to hold it tightly and treat it like a special keepsake. Soccer balls were a big hit. My girlfriend, who comes from a very poor background in western Argentina was very touched. All the members who went along were great folks, very humble and helpful, it was a very special day. Thanks to each of them for making the effort to attend. It was well worth the time to experience something special.

I could not go last year because I was in the States. I plan on attending every year as long as I am here. Happy holidays to all.

[Starfe]

You are being hard on the boys. It can get exhausting reaching in and out of your wallet every time you speak to a girl. Most of the B.A. studs are up to the wee hours of the morning and need there beauty sleep. Were talking about some of the greatest PFP love machines of this or any other generation.

Starfe

[Admin]

Gentlemen, I'm really surprised.

Last week I posted a notice that I was making a trip on Monday to deliver toys to more than 350 children in 4 comedores. As of today, not one single guy visiting or otherwise living in BA has RSVP'd.

Guys, this is so easy:

1. The trip is free.
2. The 12 passenger van is air-conditioned and very comfortable.
3. We leave at 11am from my apartment in Recoleta.
4. We will return at approximately 6pm.
5. The van will return you directly to your hotel or apartment.
6. You'll have plenty of time to pursue your usual nighttime activities.
7. We will be visiting 4 comedores for less than an hour each.
8. We will be giving out toys to more than 350 children.
9. Everyone can participate.
10. There'll be dozens of photo opportunities.
11. It's a great "feel good" day.

Silvina and I can make the trip alone, but it's a lot more fun with a group, so if you'd like to join us, please send me an email Jackson@ArgentinaPrivate.com or call me at 15-4048-2827.

Thanks,

Jackson

[Admin]

WSG CHARITIES SANTA CLAUSE TOUR

Greetings everyone,

Thanks to the generosity of the guests at the recent WSG Thangkgiving Dinner, we raised more than $2,500AR specifically earmarked for the WSG Charities Annual Christmas Toy Drive. Much thanks to all the contributors who made this a reality.

Yesterday, Silvina and I visited the toy wholesalers in Once to buy the toys for each of the comedores. Now, $2,500ar goes a long way in BA, but let me tell you, after Silvina finished negoiating with the wholesalers (actually, "beating them up" is a more accurate description of the conversations), we left with a truck filled with everything from small toys for infants, to dolls and toy trucks for kids, to Barbie dolls and soccer balls for the older children. Altogether we purchased individual toys for more than 350 children, along with other toys and games specifically earmarked for each of the comedore.

Therefor, I am pleased to announce that I have scheduled a visit to the WSG Charity's four La Matanza comedores for Monday, December 20th, leaving my building in Recoleta at 11:00 am.

All interested persons are invited to accompany myself and others as we visit the 4 comedores.

The plan is as follows:

I've arranged for a van to take us on the tour. First, we will stop by one of the toy stores in Once to make a few last minute purchases, then we will commence to the western surburb of Mantanza where we plan to spend perhaps a hour at each location where we will be greated by the adults who run the comedores and as we distribute the toys to the children. Of course, we're also going to be dispensing the usual $250ar monthly grant to each of our beneficaries.

This should be "feel good" day for anyone who participates. Be sure to bring your cameras. However, just to give you a little incentive, please read the email I recieved from Maria M. regarding her conversation with one of the comedores after our visit last Christmas:

Dear Jackson,

Today I received a call from Silvia from "Una Mano Solidaria" who was absolutely overwhelmed by the "miracle" that took place last week. She told me that with the money donated they had built the floor and purchased flour and sugar. This was great since, with each rain, the comedor got flooded due to the lack of flooring.

The kids were crazy about the toys, for all of them it was the very first time they received a toy. Some of the 11 year old boys had never owned a football, and you know what soccer means in this country. They decided that toys basically will remain at the comedor and the kids will take turns at borrowing the toys and returning them to the comedor the next day - very much like a library.

The teachers told Silvia that the kids didn't stop talking about the gentlemen that had visited them and the "funny" way in which they talked.

All the mothers talk of little else but you. Silvia's mother still cries every day when she thinks of all of you and your visit.

I just thought you would like to know what a difference you made to the lives of all these people and how much so little can have an impact on their lives.

Please post this message on the board and let them know that "Una Mano Solidaria" is very, very thankful for your contribution.

Maria

I'm planning to rent a 12 passenger van, so there should be plenty of room for anyone who wishes to participate. We will leave Recoleta at 11am and should return at approximately 6:00 pm.

Please send me an email at Jackson@ArgentinaPrivate.com or call me at 15-4048-2827 and I'll be pleased to give you the directions to my building and other details.

Thanks,

Jackson

[Member #3430]

Sometime during the week of Nov. 15, we will have another sorte into La Matanza to deliver the Pre Holiday donation.

Any mongers in town should contact Jackson or me if you would like to come along.
It takes pretty much a whole day to visit the 4 commodores in La Matanza, but it is a feel-good day you will remember for a lot longer then the mediocre blowjob from what's-her-name you got last night, and will also show you what 2 or 3 hundred pesos is REALLY worth in Argentina.
It can only help with your chica negotiations when you realize that bimbo at Ness wants the same amount (or more) of money a commodore uses to feed 50 kids for a month!

David

[The Pirate]

Jackson,

I would like to drop off a donation while I am in BA. Will you be around the first two weeks in July?

Stay Safe,

The Pirate

I'm here until August, just send me an email and I'll send you my cell phone number.

Thanks,

Jackson

[Jaimito Cartero]

I'll be in town on the 30th of March. I'd like to go to some of these commedors on April 1-3. Let me know if anyone is planning something, or we can set it up.

[Jackpot]

El Jefe,

Will you be organizing a toy buying tour and distribution in the near future? Maybe this could be an agenda item at the next AMA meeting?

I have 12 days left to show my appreciation for the wonderful times WSG has provided and want to put something into the hands of the kids rather than pesos.

Going to Bariloche for 4 days, and I´ll be back on Thursday, 3/11.

Please advise.

Jackpot

Hi Jackpot,

Damn, I wish you had sent me a PM about this. I didn't read in until 3-17. We made a tour of all the locations just last week.

Jackson

[Jaimito Cartero]

Well you don't have to give a lot to help out. I prefer to give to people in person most of the time, and to do it in a proactive manner. I'd done a bit with some families in Costa Rica, and the effects are wonderful.

I go to Asia, Central and South America and am amazed at how people can live happily on so little. I know a family of 10 in Costa Rica that lives on a little over $100 a month. They have no electricity, running water, phone or a car, but they turned a vacant plot of land into a farm in a years time.

I was rather poor when I grew up in the US, but in comparison I was wealthy to most of the world. It is nice to give a little back.

[Slick1]

Jaimito

There is a street over near Jackson's apartment that is lined with discount toy shops. He will know the name. No need to bring the toys down with you. They are very cheap, but for a child that has never recieved one they are priceless. The looks in their eyes will repay you many times over. Enjoy.

Slick