Contact: Steve Taylor, FoodBank Lakeside Fundraising Committee
U.S. phone/What’s App: +1 (512) 921-6150
Email: Newkidintown78624@gmail.com

Anonymous Donors Offer to Double December Contributions

LAKESIDE, Jalisco, Mexico – Dec. 1, 2022 – FoodBank Lakeside’s One Million Peso Challenge to keep the essential local charity afloat financially concludes this month with a chance for donors to double donations, thanks to anonymous contributors.

The “peso for peso” match comes as Challenge organizers announced that more than $600,000 MXN had been gathered to date during the 100-day campaign that started in late September and concludes New Year’s Eve.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to double your donations – just in time for the holiday season,” said Steve Taylor, One Million Peso Challenge co-chair.  “For U.S. ex-pats, it’s an opportunity to make a tax-deductible contribution before the end of this year.”

Noting contributions made so far, Taylor said, “Supporters have rallied to FoodBank Lakeside in impressive numbers. We cannot thank donors enough for their support. Should they be able to contribute more in December, we’ll be even more thrilled, exceedingly grateful and better able to continue feeding locals in need.”

Another way to donate is via FoodBank Lakeside’s Gift from the Heart. Instead of sending a traditional holiday gift to someone on your list, you can donate to FoodBank.  Then FoodBank Lakeside will send your recipient an e-card noting that you have contributed on their behalf toward feeding the local hungry.

FoodBank Lakeside provides lunches to 700-800 impoverished children every week via Kids Kitchens plus monthly despensas of basic food items (such as beans, rice, oats, milk, eggs, soap and toilet paper) to about 700 needy families, the elderly and disabled in seven local communities (Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, Riberas, Chapala, Santa Cruz, San Nicolás and San Pedro). Further, it gives bags of dog and cat food to pet-owning families via Pet Food Bank Lakeside for pooches and felines who would otherwise go hungry.

Data in early autumn indicated FoodBank could run out of money by Dec. 31 without extraordinary financial support, so the Challenge was launched.

 “We still have so much more to do in helping feed the hungry into 2023,” Taylor said.  FoodBank Lakeside seeks new donors and greater funding from current supporters, “but any and all monetary donations are welcome. Every peso or dollar, Canadian or U.S., helps,” Taylor said.

“This would be a monumental achievement, led by Canadians and Americans to help our local neighbors meet their most basic, vital need for food,” Taylor said.

FoodBank Lakeside’s leaders are all volunteers working at home, with no staff, office or warehouse costs, so 95 percent of all donations go to feed families.

The charity relies on a dedicated cadre of Mexican volunteers, who are both eyes and ears in their respective Lakeside communities. Each client’s level of need is routinely reevaluated. This ensures those in need get despensas, and those no longer in need are removed from recipient lists. 

FoodBank Lakeside is recognized by the Foundation for Lake Chapala Charities, a 501organization3 organization, allowing U.S. donors to make year-end, tax-deductible donations and receive tax receipts.

To donate, go to www.foodbanklakeside.org and click the “Donate” button. To volunteer, click the “Volunteer” button. There also is a new Go Fund Me page or search for the “One Million Peso Challenge.”

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