"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."

This beloved traditional holiday song is the inspiration for a seasonal blog series, "12 Days/12 Ways", an effort to draw attention to 12 worthy not for profit groups in Playa del Carmen and along the Riviera Maya and address their particular needs during this holiday season.

For each of the 12 days of Christmas, the BuyPlaya Blog, better known as "Life's a Beach" will spotlight a charitable organization. Many of these may already be familiar to locals and frequent travelers to this area. Others, perhaps those most in need of recognition and support, may be new to our readers. It is my plan to do this every year, with updated information and wish lists.

The "12 Day/12 Ways" list has been completed for 2010. The organizations are listed in no particular order. If you have a favorite charity that you feel belongs on this list, collect all of the information you can and I will be happy to consider your group for inclusion next year.

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Malix Pek Playa del Carmen Malix Pek A.C., started in 2008, is a registered non-profit (Asociación Civil) comprised of a group of Volunteers dedicated to the rescue and adoption of abandoned and mistreated dogs. Malix is Maya for dog of no origin or colloquially, "street dog", and describes the dogs that this organization was formed to assist. Malix Pek was started by a group of local people who loves dogs and all animals. Their goal is to decrease the number of street dogs here in Playa del Carmen. How will they achieve this?

Sterilization:  While there are many dogs living on the streets of Playa del Carmen, many more are “owned” by individuals who are unable or unwilling to care for them properly. These dogs continue to reproduce unchecked. Malix Pek volunteers work in cooperation with all sterilizations campaigns including the annual ViDAS Clinic by transporting animals and assisting with registrations and post operative services.

Education: The members that make up Malix Pek are primarily local people living in the community. They are in a great position to TALK to people in their neighborhoods, explain the importance of sterilization and make them aware of spay/neuter clinics that are FREE of charge. Malix Pek brings their mission to local schools, community centers and radio programs, whatever it takes to spread the word near and far.


So far, Malix Pek has re-homed more than 120 dogs and spayed/neutered more than 150. (April 2010)

How can you help?

Donate: If you are coming to Playa del Carmen, Malix Pek needs all kind of supplies:
  • Frontline
  • De-worming meds
  • Antibiotics
  • Suture 1.0 and 2.0
  • Anesthetic (Zoletyl for example)
  • Gauze
  • Old Sheets/towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Old Newspapers
  • Shampoo
  • Ear Cleaner
  • Nail Clippers
  • Cleaning products
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Collars/leashes
  • Garrafones of Water
  • Dog food
  • Food Dishes
A contribution to Malix Pek can make a difference between the life and death of a stray animal. Monetary donations made be made to the following account:

Banco: HSBC
Cuenta: 4048319735
Clabe Interbancaria: 021694040483197354
Beneficiario: Malix Pek AC
Sucursal 03727
Plaza 33
Swift: BIMEMXMM


Volunteer: Malix Pek is always looking for volunteers to help out with the dogs as well as organize and assist with fundraising efforts. Malix Pek does not receive funds from the Government of Quintana Roo. Their efforts depend solely on donations and fundraising events. Malix Pek currently has 24 dogs/puppies that have been rescued from horrifying situations. They are currently housed in a rented space in Playa. They have hopes to build their own yard but this project is on hold until adequate funds can be secured.

Malix Pek Volunteers

For more information:

Malix Pek Website
Malix Pek on Facebook
info@malixpek.org.mx
malix_pek@hotmail.com