Another Sponsored Welcoming Thanks to Mission San Rafael Rotary
This Welcoming was generously sponsored by the Mission San Rafael Rotary. It is their second sponsorship in as many years.
Antonio and his family lost everything in the recent Canal fire. Four years ago, he and his new wife came to San Rafael from Guatemala. It was an arduous and challenging journey. He came to San Rafael because he had a few family members here.
Antonio lives with six family members: his wife, infant son, his father, his uncle, plus his cousin and his wife. The three men in the household work as day laborers; the women clean houses and babysit. The family was devastated when they lost their home in the fire. They lost everything that they had worked for, leaving them with just the clothing on their backs. Although overwhelmed by the loss, they are grateful to be alive and safe, adapting to their new surroundings little by little.
Antonio would love to work more but it is very tricky to find consistent jobs at the moment. He was a carpenter before coming to the U.S. and also loves painting and all aspects of remodeling homes. In their spare time, the family especially loves spending time outside in settings like parks with flowers or water.
One of Antonio’s dreams is to replace his rather old car with something newer and more reliable.
The family was so looking forward to having their empty apartment furnished.
Final Touches
Return
Mission San Rafael Rotary members listened closely to the family's needs and preferences. The family was thrilled when they arrived to see their favorite colors, kitchen appliances and art themes ithroughout their "new" home.
Rotary members went out of their way to give the grateful family, and especially the little boy, an early Christmas. Broad smiles and hugs for the volunteers said it all.
Left to right:
Welcoming Home volunteers: Leslie Zimring and Karen Scheder.
Rotary Sponsor Representatives: Maika Lorens Gulati, Barry Murrin , Roy Murrin, Mike Green and Susanne Karch - and Alysa Crosby.
About Sponsored Welcomings
"Sponsorship" means paying for the brand new mattresses, box springs and frames; the cost of the movers; the Starter Kit of necessary items that the individual or family needs in the short term, and any needed items that aren't donated. To enable us to help more people, we need more organizations, groups of friends, schools, etc. to sponsor Welcomings.
Click here or contact info@welcominghome.org for more information.