BNSF Today

Employees Raise Money for Children in Mexico

2006-10-11

Employees of BNSF Mexico Business Unit recently made a tangible difference by assisting Centro Especializado María Cristina, A.C., a facility in Monterrey, Mexico, that provides life-skills and education to children with Down Syndrome.

The center assists children in becoming self-sufficient adults and provides physical therapy to overcome muscle atrophy, which is caused by Down Syndrome. In addition to these activities, the facility is a safe place for the children to learn and play while their parents work.

Resources in Mexico are scarce for people with mental disabilities, and the Monterrey center receives no government funding. Mexico Business Unit employees were moved by what the center does for children who have few options and by the dilapidated condition of the facility.

Employees created a raffle with 250 tickets available for purchase at $20 each. Prizes included small items for participation and the grand prize was a 42 inch plasma television or an option of $1,500 cash. Anina Dena, Marketing, Mexico City, Mexico, held the winning ticket number, which was determined by using the last three numbers of the Sept. 26 Mexican National Lottery drawing.

"It’s good to pause and evaluate what’s around you. There is always someone who can use your help and it’s always gratifying to do something good for someone else," says Victor Valdes, Mexico Business Unit in Fort Worth.

While employees were in Monterrey, they gathered to paint the interior and exterior of the center, make some repairs and clear the yard of debris.

The efforts of the Mexican Business Unit exemplify how a collective effort by our employees can make a big impact.

"I would like to extend my appreciation to the members of our Mexico Business Unit for their initiative in coming up with an innovative way for our employees to help in this worthy effort," says Richard Miller, assistant vice president, BNSF Mexico Business Unit. "The support of Team BNSF in the raffle and in the work at the center are testament to the desire of BNSF to give of themselves to make a better world for others."

BNSF Headquarters

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com