BY: Xochitl Mora

Over the next few weeks, Laredoans may see purple buckets scattered at various Laredo businesses.  The donations will go towards Teletón 2008, which raises money for providing care and therapy for over 16,000 disabled children in 11 centers throughout Mexico.  

“Thousands of buckets filled with donations are the result of a heart filled with love,” said Love, who is helping to spearhead the outreach effort for the telethon here in the United States.  

Children of all ages and nationalities are treated at these various facilities, with medical specialties offered in various fields, including pediatric, neurology and orthopedic; urology; ophthalmology; orthodontics; nutrition; anesthesiology; psychiatry and psychology; radiology; as well as a range of therapies including, physical; speech; occupational; aqua; family; sports and other efforts to help children improve their physical and mental well-being.  The 11 cites, or Centros de Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón (CRIT’s) in operation in Mexico: Mexico state; Occidente; Oaxaca; Aguascalientes; Coahuila; Guanajuato; Hidalgo; Chihuahua; Chiapas; Ciudad Nazahuaicoyotl; and Quintana Roo, with two being constructed in Mérida and Tamaulipas.

“Need knows no border, and we can always find it in our hearts, and especially, our pockets, to help children in need, no matter where in the world they may be,” said Mayor Salinas.  “That is why I am supporting this important initiative, and I want to ask my fellow Laredoans to also help with this wonderful cause,” he concluded.

From now until December 5 and 6, 2008, when the Teletón will air live from Mexico on cable networks Galavision and Televisa, shown locally on Time Warner Cable Channel 26 and Channel 14, respectively, the bucket brigades will be ongoing at various locations every weekend leading up to the telethon.  Please give generously.
Best Buy                    Laredo Entertainment Center
Desayunos Mar-la                Lowe’s
HK Downtown                Mall del Norte
IBC, Mines Road and Mall Del Norte    Taco Palenque
Intersection of Del Mar & McPherson    Toys R Us

Other local sponsors for this initiative include Ramon Barrios, Inc.; Taco Palenque; Periodico El Mañana, Rio & Femina; Los Guerreros Motorcycle Club.