It has been approximately 2 months since I posted the first Paisa Power artcile, Justo Manuel – A True Colombian Hero, and I think now is a good time to update everyone on the status.
First and foremost I have to say that I was absolutely floored at the amount of donations and offers for help that I received. People are amazing. I see all this negative junk on Social Media sites, the news, and on T.V. that I had lost sight of how generous people can actually be.
I collected $1,025,000 COL from online and in person donations!
The first thing I did was go downtown and buy Justo a new wheelbarrow. He had told me that he had his eye on a lighter wheelbarrow, but didn’t have the money for it. So Justo, Joel, and I went to the store downtown and bought him one.
We also got him a civica card for the metro so that he can come down from his house on the Metro Cable instead of on foot.
We loaded the civica with money for him and showed him how to use it.
Most importantly the money we collected has helped in the process of getting his hernia operation in order. He was not able to go to the doctor’s office because he did not have the time nor the money to make the rounds.
These doctor’s appointments have taken longer than expected. Well longer than I expected, this is Colombia and for some stupid reason I thought that this would be a speedy process, but it has take some time. We are still working on getting this done, but it will get done.
I am really grateful and of course Justo is tremendously grateful for all the donations. He is an amazing man and has motivated me in ways he doesn’t even know about. With my own business, I am more dedicated, and efficient, with my personal life I do not take anything I have for granted: my friends, my family, my things, etc. Justo has also motivated me to continue writing posts about other Paisas in his same or similar situation.
Together with my friend and business partner Joel Duncan we are going to keep creating posts for Paisa Power.
I will keep updating everyone on Justo’s status as we continue to help him. Once again thank you to all who donated, helped, and wished me well in this endeavor.
PAISA POWER!
Paisa Power – No Pity
Marriam-Webster Dictionary defines “hero” as a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. I admire Justo Manuel for his work ethic, for his humility, for his resolve, and for his honest hard work.
It is easy for one to feel pity for Justo Manuel, it would be just as easy for us to just raise money and hand it over to him. I do not think this is an effective way to help Justo; he does not want your pity, nor does he know that we are raising money to help him.
This Paisa Power segment is meant to empower hard working people, and help them get ahead.
All money donated will be used to pay for Justo’s medical bills, his gas tank, and the rest will be invested into his business.
About the writer – Andrew Macia
Hello, my name is Andrew Macia and I am the founder of the Medellin Buzz. I am an advanced level English teacher here in Medellin, and I also have a website development, and marketing company which I run from home.
My idea with the Medellin Buzz is to push those who are learning English and to integrate native speakers with non-native speakers.
I love living in Medellin and I love Colombia. I want to give back to the community and this is the best way I know how. Let’s practice English and Spanish and have a great time!
About the Medellin Buzz
The Medellin Buzz is lighthearted resource for English as a Second Language learners in Medellin, Colombia to practice with. The Medellin Buzz is written in a way that is easy to understand. If you do not understand something feel free to make comments below.