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Dental Adventures in México
by Joe Bulger DDS
A Rotary International project - helping those in need.
I'm a dentist from Toronto, Canada, and an active member of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke. The following represents one of our club's many projects...
One of our local Rotary Club members, Ara Run, has a lovely vacation home in Huatulco (pronounced Who-ah-tool-coe), Mexico where he enjoys spending his winter months in sunshine and warmth.
Smart man!
Outside of the developed resort community where he resides, there are many smaller villages that lack some of the basics that we take for granted ( such as dental care). Ara has been working with the Rotary Club in Huatulco on various projects to help some of these outside communities.
One project Ara had initiated, with the support of our club back in Etobicoke, was to provide much-needed dental care to underserviced communities surrounding Huatulco. To accomplish this, Ara helped develop a mobile dental chair– mounted on a trailer – that could be easily transported to remote communities.
Dentists are available in Huatulco, including fellow Rotarian Rayna Rangel. Unfortunately, many of those from these small villages lack the financial resources to ever pay for dental services. It's not a matter of poverty, these traditional village communities aren't as centered on money. They lead simple lives – not having much, and not wanting for much.
The following stories are highlights from our Rotary-based trip to Mexico...
Why join Rotary?
I joined to contribute on a higher level, to develop my leadership skills, and to enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people. It has been such a rewarding and worthwhile experience.
We live in a disconnected world. Rotary helps us CONNECT to serving a significant purpose, to a set of higher values, to fellow members at home and abroad, to our local community and those on the other side of the world. Above all, Rotary helps us connect to the very best within ourselves.
Having my son join me on this adventure added special meaning. In his book The 8th Habit, Stephen Covey talks about "Live, love, learn, and leave a legacy." That's what Rotary can offer, and I can look forward to my son stepping up to join me in the fellowship of Rotarians.
Rotary has been a terrific experience for me, and I encourage you to consider joining your local Rotary Club.
Click here to learn more about the Rotary Club of Etobicoke.
If you're interested in volunteering for the Mexico project contact Ara Run (runara@prodigy.net.mx)