By Michelle da Silva Richmond

 

In our ongoing quest to connect with the community and its worthy causes, Grand  Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun recently invited distinguished meeting planners (and their families) from the US to experience the resort for the weekend – and participate in a very special community cause.

In addition to being treated to our posh accommodations, dining venues and spa treatments – which was crowned by a very special five-course spa-designed dinner – they were guests at Crococun, Cancun’s renowned interactive zoo and nature reserve.

Yet this was no ordinary zoo visit! We invited children from Huellas de Pan, a local charitable agency to spend the day at the zoo and tour the environmental park with all of us.

The non-profit Huellas de Pan organization benefits some 56 indigent children ages 4 -14 by providing them with daily, well-balanced, nutritious meals. According to statistics, 80% of the children who first came into this program were mal-nourished but have shown a marked improvement their health as well as in school and social activities since being brought into Huellas de Pan.

The visiting travel planners brought gifts from the US for the children and were treated to a fun day. Each of them accompanied by a small child – toured Crococun where everyone got to touch, feel and interact with a variety of animals.  Everything from parrots to monkeys, deer and even snakes were on display – much to the delight of not only the kids, but the visitors!

Children had their photo taken with the visitors from the US and a good time was had by all!