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Hi all, Tom and Ardy here from Pacific Northwest - rainy and more rainy! We are getting near retirement age and would like to retire to Baja and do charity work - is there a need for this? Thanks

Hi Tom and Ardy,

Thanks for joining and to TalkBaja!


Always a need for those so inclined to help those who can benefit from it.

Appreciate the sentiment for sure.

Originally Posted by graceful

Hi all, Tom and Ardy here from Pacific Northwest - rainy and more rainy! We are getting near retirement age and would like to retire to Baja and do charity work - is there a need for this? Thanks

Welcome to TalkBaja......
As Martin Says, there's always a need for those inclined to help others.
That said, be very discriminating in your search for a cause and how you go about it. There are many causes down here, so give yourself time to search and decide.
One more thing........it may be best to keep your good intentions to yourself at first. Many Mexicans will take offense at the notion of North Americans coming down here with the idea that the country has flaws, [which, of course, it has] and you have decided to do what they won't do, fix the problems.

Can you give us an idea as to your idea of charity work so we might be more specific in steering you in the most beneficial direction?

First & foremost, find a place that speaks to your heart & go from there.

And be advised that to do volunteer/charity work here requires that you obtain a resident permit which specifically authorizes you to work here....even if it's for non-profit work. Than entails having an accountant to file tax paperwork on a monthly basis. It might behoove you to talk with someone in your local Mexican Consulate to find out about the legal requirements.

There is bona fide need the length of the peninsula, but Dennis is right, you need to proceed with care to not offend the exact people you want to "help".

Originally Posted by longlegsinlapaz

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There is bona fide need the length of the peninsula, but Dennis is right, you need to proceed with care to not offend the exact people you want to "help".

Speaking to that point.......dogs and other animals are all-appreciative and will never be offended by your efforts . Just a thoughtful suggestion.

Helloooooooooooo..............anybody home out there??

Originally Posted by DENNIS

Helloooooooooooo..............anybody home out there??

I would think the hurdles you have to jump over to do charity work for the poor people of Mexico catch many would-be philanthropists totally off guard. Donating to the Red Cross is much easier. The Flying Sams were doing great things here until they got robbed in BCS and called it quits themselves (last I heard). What a shame.

If you are a narco you can give all you want to the poor and they will even protest on your behalf.

I think the natural inclination would be to consider orphanages, but these places have been co-opted by different church groups and spreading the word is their ultimate goal.
Good for them, but I wouldn't fit in to their scheme of things......not that I couldn't use a bit of soul salvation.

Originally Posted by DENNIS

I think the natural inclination would be to consider orphanages, but these places have been co-opted by different church groups and spreading the word is their ultimate goal.
Good for them, but I wouldn't fit in to their scheme of things......not that I couldn't use a bit of soul salvation.

The Flying Sams do operate in Baja Norte (they need planes to get here?) and are looking for volunteers and donations: Baja Times - SINCE 1978 - English Language Newspaper of Baja California

Thanks everyone for your kind advice. I would like to start an orphanage. Have background in non profit and aware to tread quietly and respectfully for sure. Been looking at the ones established now there. I know there is always a need for the dear animals as well. Appreciate all the info and thanks so much again to all.

Hello...Tom and Ardy. I can appreciate your comment about the rainy Pacific Northwest! The winters are depressing. I would LOVE to move to Baja Norte for the great people and the perfect(to me) climate. Wishing you the best in your baja quest!

Originally Posted by graceful

I would like to start an orphanage.

WOW......independent of a church?? When you go......you go "all in."
There have been some nightmare stories coming out of a few orphanages around here, so I imagine the government regulation will be heavy.
Best of luck on pursuing your dream.

Dennis is right - definitely be sure to start your plan by associating yourself with a good, well connected attorney. I do admire your spirit and sincerely wish you well...