AkumalNow just got back from the scene of more donated money hard at work. The money raised in this year’s Akumal Comedy Festival has allowed the Red Cross Tulum to build a new classroom facility. Today they performed the ceremonial laying of the first stone. In this ceremony the footing for the staircase was started (see photo gallery below).
Originally the classroom was going to be built alongside the current Red Cross facility, but a structural analysis discovered that the building can support a second story. As a result, the classroom facility will be built on top of the existing building. This will not only reduce construction costs, but will also allow the precious land around the facility to be used for future projects.
Currently classes are taught in a small corner of the trauma area. This new classroom will provide a vital teaching facility for first aid training, as well as providing the community of Tulum with an educational space that can be rented to provide a variety of activities, classes, and lectures. This will be the only air conditioned classroom facility in Tulum, which should help demand. All revenue from the rental of the facility will help fund the Tulum Red Cross so they continue to offer life-saving medical services to the Municipality of Tulum (including Akumal). Once again, kudos to the Akumal Comedy Festival, its organizers, donors, and of course the guests. Without you this would not have been possible!
For those who are curious about funding, the Red Cross in Tulum is funded completely by donations. The local government provides assistance with permits and other government items, but provides no monetary support. The global Red Cross organization only provides funding in the event of a major disaster. As you can see, it’s critical to help an organization like this which selflessly gives back to the community. Again, a big thanks to all involved to making this happen.
Below are some photos from the event. For those of you who are perplexed as to why they are laying stones on the ground for a second story, let me explain. The plans include a new foyer and stairway; these will be in front of the existing building and built from the ground up to the new floor. So there you go.
