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December 2011 - Posts

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - PEACE Isla Mujeres

PEACE Isla Mujeres is an initiative of PEACE, a nonprofit community organization based in Punta de Mita, Mexico. PEACE is a recognized 501(c)(3) in the United States and a recognized A.C. in Mexico. PEACE Isla Mujeres is a nonprofit organization created to improve the community of Isla Mujeres through Protection and Education re: Animals, Culture & the Environment. A focus is placed on educational opportunities, youth development, environmental responsibility, animal care and protection and economic empowerment. Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 28, 2011 10:17 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA)

Centro Ecologico Akumal is a non-profit conservation organization working on the Mexican Caribbean to monitor the impact of development on the regional ecosystems and culture; to report findings and their significance to the public through education; and, through education, to influence public policy. CEA is celebrating 15 years of research, education and advocacy in Akumal, working to understand better the natural elements that make this place so beautiful, to raise awareness about how to protect it and to invite others to join us in our efforts. Read More...
Posted Friday, December 23, 2011 8:16 PM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Playa Animal Rescue A.C.

Playa Animal Rescue A.C. is a non-profit no kill shelter located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. PAR is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs and to finding permanent loving homes for each of them. PAR is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership through community outreach and education as well as promoting sterilization of companion animals. Read More...
Posted Thursday, December 22, 2011 5:23 PM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Centro de Equinoterapia Playa del Carmen A.C.

The Equine Therapy Center in Playa del Carmen AC was created in March 2008 to address the concerns of local parents with children with disabilities. Supported by the owners of the Equestrian Clubs of Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras, this therapy program was launched to provide alternative therapies to people with disabilities living on the Riviera Maya. The Equine Therapy Center of Playa del Carmen works with children and adults with many different types of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, motor coordination impairment, down syndrome and hydrocephalus. Read More...
Posted Thursday, December 22, 2011 10:11 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Winter Solstice in the Mayan Jungle

The Winter Solstice, also known by some as Yule or Saturnalia, generally falls on December 21 or 22. It celebrates the birth of the new solar year and marks the beginning of winter. Taking place on the longest, darkest night of the year, this is a time when we must reflect inward to find our own inner light. This is also a festival of inner renewal and spiritual rebirth. Many of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals now associated with the modern "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. Both Christian mythology and older Pagan customs are evident in modern day holiday observances. Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 6:20 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Isla Animals on Isla Mujeres

Isla Animals is a non-profit organization founded by Isla Mujeres resident Alison Sawyer Current continuing a project started by Amigos de los Animales in 2002. Isla Animals is dedicated to decreasing the unwanted pet population on Isla Mujeres, Mexico through on-going spay/neuter programs, education, vaccinations and adoption. Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - El Mundo Para Puerto Morelos S.C.

El Mundo Para Puerto Morelos SC is a charitable organization for the community of Puerto Morelos, Mexico - Determining the Need, Implementing the Solution. Our goal is to inspire the citizens and friends of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico to enrich their lives and their community in the areas of health, education, and welfare through financial generosity and volunteer commitment. Read More...
Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Tierra de Animales in Cancun

Tierra de Animales sanctuary was founded in March 2011 as a refuge for Cancun's forgotten and abandoned street dogs, known locally as ‘perros callejeros'. Animals rescued by Tierra de Animales from the streets now have a safe place to call home, and a place to heal from the unfortunate circumstances that left them alone and abandoned. The mission of Tierra de Animales is clear....to rescue, rehabilitate, sterilize, socialize and adopt. Read More...
Posted Monday, December 19, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 2 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Anat Kah in Puerto Aventuras

Anat Kah (meaning "village support" in Maya) is an emerging community foundation whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Riviera Maya by supporting the development of a sustainable civil society, or non-profit sector, that promotes community participation and social investment. This will be accomplished through ongoing evaluation and assessment of community needs and opportunities, the strategic investment of resources to existing nonprofit programs and community projects, technical support for the development of new programs and projects, and the facilitation of community partnerships that help bridge gaps between service and community needs. Anat Kah A.C. will focus its initial efforts in the community of Puerto Aventuras. Read More...
Posted Sunday, December 18, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Coco's Cat Rescue A.C.

Coco's Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization started by Laura Raikes in March of 2009. Since Laura was a young girl she was helping her dad in farming and started rescuing all kinds of animals from bats to dogs, cats and even bottle feeding goats and lambs. One of the rescued cats was Igor who had only one eye after an attack by a crow. He is still a much loved family pet back home in Wales. Read More...
Posted Saturday, December 17, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Hekab Be Library in Akumal

Hekab Be Library promotes literacy and learning opportunities among children and adults in Quintana Roo, Mexico, in order to meet their educational goals. Serving as a tool for educational, social and economic progress, we provide individuals and families with resources for scholastic advancement, helping improve people’s language and literacy skills, while promoting cultural preservation and awakening the desire to understand other customs and ways of thinking. Read More...
Posted Friday, December 16, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 2 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Christmas Dreams Playa

Since 2000, a group of kind-hearted residents of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya have helped local non-profits connect with those who need a little extra attention during the Holiday season. In years past, this group has helped organize the collection and distribution of thousands of Christmas presents for disadvantaged and special needs students as well as much needed dispensas (essential non-perishable food items) for families and elders in impoverished outlying villages. This year, the group has struck out on their own and created Christmas Dreams Playa. Read More...
Posted Thursday, December 15, 2011 5:00 AM by Rob Kinnon | 2 Comments

12 Days/12 Ways 2011 - Pack for a Purpose® with The Fairmont Mayakoba

This year The Fairmont Mayakoba has joined forces with Pack for a Purpose® to launch their new program "Holiday Wishes". This project is in preparation for Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day), one of the fondest traditions celebrated on January 6th by children all across Mexico. During December guests of the Fairmont Mayakoba are invited to Pack for a Purpose® and bring toys and games or school and medical supplies to help the neediest children of the Riviera Maya to have a happy holiday! The toys and gifts will be presented on January 6, 2012, during a party in honor of the Three Kings celebration. Read More...
Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 5:01 AM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Playa del Carmen's New Paradisus Resorts Partner with Chef Martin Berasategui

Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Dec.13, 2011 - Paradisus Resorts, Melia Hotels International's luxurious all-inclusive brand, which expanded its portfolio in November with two new Mexican properties, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda and Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, announces its brand-wide partnership with seven-star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui Read More...
Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 6:28 PM by Rob Kinnon | 0 Comments

Luxury in the Jungle at The Tides Riviera Maya

Rob and I were planning to celebrate our seven year "Mexi-versary" and struggling to find just the right place to spend a special evening, just the two of us. We wanted to try something new and fabulous and after living on the Riviera Maya for seven years, that has become a tall order for us to fill. My friend was eager to recommend her new favorite dining experience at a newly renovated resort close to Playa del Carmen, so we followed her lead and reserved our spot for the special Chef's Table Dining Experience at The Tides Riviera Maya. Read More...
Posted Thursday, December 8, 2011 6:49 PM by Rob Kinnon | 1 Comments