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AIDS/SIDA The new organization Vallarta Confronts AIDS (Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA) is involved in education and prevention programs, non-judgmental outreach to at-risk communities and groups, including MSM's, sex workers, IV drug users and others, as well as counseling and support for those affected, including HIV+ individuals, their families and loved ones. There some 300 AIDS cases in Puerto Vallarta. AIDS is now the second leading cause of death in Mexico for those 15-44 years old, and there are more than 220,000 infected persons in the country. The high prevalence of bisexual behavior among men will have a major impact on the risk of HIV infection among women and children.  The long awaited Men of Vallarta 2008, a gorgeous, high-quality 12 month calendar with stunning photography of some of the hottest guys in Puerto Vallarta is available now. For just $15 US, you'll be helping Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA continue to do what they do best... and you get to enjoy 12 months of looking at these hot guys. Proceeds from the sale will benefit people of limited resources who are living with HIV in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding communities. Order by calling (322) 223-0535 in Mexico, 1-866-388-2689 toll free in the US and Canada, or send an email to paulcrist@hotel-mercurio.com Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA provides funds for medical care, counseling services, and education and prevention programs, and is solely funded by donations and fund raising programs. Vallarta Confronts AIDS is 100% funded by donations. Contact Paul Crist at paulcrist@vallartaenfrentasida.org  Local tel: 223-4793 or 223-0535. Alano Club: AA, NA, Al-Anon and CoDa AA meetings in English plus Al-Anon, NA, SLAA and Coda. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) general open group meetings Mon-Sat at 9am and 6:30pm and Sun at 11am; for women only Thurs at 10:30am; for men only Thurs at 8pm; Sun for gay and lesbian at 11am but call for location please. Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Daily at 5pm; Al-Anon, Mon and Fri at 6:30pm (Fri only May-Nov). N/A Step Sisters, Tues at 6:30pm. Co-Dependents (CoDa), mixed, Weds and Fri at 10:30 am. Over-Eaters Anonymous (OA), daily at 5pm. Meetings at the Cine Bahia Building, 181 Insurgentes, Room 206. Current schedule is posted on the door. For further info call 222-5711, 222-3906, 222-2505, or 209-0746 evenings. America-Mexico Foundation/Becas Vallarta The AMF is a volunteer, non-profit U.S tax-deductible foundation that assists qualified Puerto Vallarta students continue their education by providing scholarships. The foundation supplies scholarships to some 200-250 high student and university students. Volunteers welcome. Contact: Mariel Fregoso, Tel: 221-0789 or Buri Gray, Tel: 221-5285.  Further info puerto-vallarta.com/amf Bay and Beach Clean Up Organizes annual clean ups usually in mid-November after the rainy season and in mid-May before the rains begin. Dedicated to raising awareness among the peoples of Puerto Vallarta. Contact, Craig Caughlin, Tel: 223-2542.  E-mail, zentiente@pvnet.com.mx

Ecology Group of Puerto Vallarta
The ecology group of Vallarta (Grupo Ecologico de Puerto Vallarta) believes that residents of Banderas Bay have the legal right and moral responsibility to participate in the conservation of the natural beauty and wildlife of the area as an essential element of our community. Contact: Sonia Aracely Contreras email: muchotextil@yahoo.ca or R. C. Walker, Tel: 222-0897 email, grupoecologicopv@yahoo.com.mx

International Friendship Club (IFC)
The Friendship Club is a group of expatriates from the U.S. and Canada whose goals include promoting friendship between the international and the local communities. The group works to provide funds to such community programs as school construction and education supplies, reconstructive surgery for cleft palate patients, emergency medical aid, AIDS, a local orphanage and physical rehabilitation clinic, as well as funding a large community food distribution program. The Club annually collects and distributes over $100,000 to 16 programs. Office at Edificio Parian del Puente #13, Libertad street at Miramar in downtown Vallarta. Tel: 222-5466  Email at pvifc@ifcvallarta.com

Los Bambinos
A group of young Mexican brothers (and a cousin) available to sing at your gathering/celebration/party. You can catch them around town in the evenings singing at many of the restaurants and bars on the South Side. CDs also available. Email: gerardocarlos@yahoo.com  Tel: 222-6412

Make a Wish Foundation
Make a Wish is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illness who will not likely see their 18th birthday. One hundred percent of the funds are used for the wishes. Funded by corporate sponsors and private donations that are tax deductible in the US and Mexico. Active since Jan 2001. Contact Bob Mandel, Tel: 222-9111.  Further info: makeawishmexico.org.mx/english.asp

Melchor's Spanish Language School
Do you have a broken VERB? Do your PREPOSITIONS hurt? Are your CONJUNCTIONS swollen? Are you in a SUBJUNCTIVE mood? Three week course,  levels of instruction. spanishschoolvallarta.com  contact Senor Melchor Cortes, from USA Cellular: 011-52-322-118-0822 or Tel: 224-8917

Private Home Tours - International Friendship Club
Take a tour through some of Puerto Vallarta's and Banderas Bay's most beautiful homes and villas. Sponsored by the International Fellowship Club (IFC), the donation goes to the various Vallarta charities outlined above. Meet at Andale's on the Bay at 513 Olas Altas street at Rodolfo Gomez street, Weds to see 4 homes for 3 hours, at $35 USD; and Thurs to see 2 homes and the Vallarta botanical gardens, 5 hours total, at $50 USD. Bus departure at 10:30am, returns at 2pm. Ticket sales opens at 9am on tour day, there are no advance reservations. For further info call Tel: 222-5466 or email pvifc@ifcvallarta.com

For the North Shore Home Tour meet at La Paz Restaurant, Marina Vallarta, one block past Amerimed Hospital, Tues only. Bus departure at 10am, returns at 3pm. Tickets on sale from 8:30 am. $55 US or 550 pesos and includes lunch. Tel: 222-5466. Tours run from November through April. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a camera. I have received good reports. Website: ifcpv.com/home-tours and Email: hometours@ifcvallarta.com

Public Library Los Mangos (Biblioteca Los Mangos)
the Library of Vallarta needs funds to operate and increase their book inventory, as well as to help with the cultural center. Art classes, dance performances, etc. Located at 1001 Avenida Francisco Villa. Contact Director Ricardo Murrieta, Tel: 224-9966.

Red Cross (Cruz Roja)
Handles hospital and emergency services locally, offering its services to those who are unable to afford it. In need of operating funds and equipment as well as volunteers, as you could well imagine. One of the outstanding organizations in Mexico that also always offers massive assistance in earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters that afflict the country. Contact the Red Cross clinic, Tel: 222-4973 or Aurea Torres, Tel: 222-2455.

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanze RISE (Children's Shelter of Hope)
Shelter for babies and children under the age of fifteen, the Refuge was established in 2001 and is run by the nuns from the Order of Carmelites of Jesus of Nazareth. Some of the children are orphans, or come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected or simply abandoned. Some have been transferred from other facilities because of overcrowding and many have been in institutions for most of their lives. Located at 251 R. Flores Magon street, Colonia Benito Juarez. Visitors welcome 11am-1pm and 4-6pm. Contact Marde Mari, Tel: 222-7857, Sol Rios at Tel: 222-7857 or Sudy Coy, Tel: 224-4407.

Sea Turtles Program of Protection & Conservation in Puerto Vallarta
For many years, Mexico has had one of the most advanced programs of protection of marine turtles in the world, where programs are implemented for the protection of this natural resource. Vallarta has been protecting sea turtles and their egg laying since 1993. Turtle experience activities are only available between June and October. Read Justin Burch's article The Olive Ridley Turtle - Puerto Vallarta's Favorite Ocean Visitor.  Sea turtle hatchings occur usually between July and December. Further info here and also here

S.O.S. Animal
Dedicated to finding homes for street dogs and cats. If you want to adopt an animal, call Tel: 044-322-227-5519
or Tel: 221-0077.

Toys for Tots
Raises funds to purchase toys for distribution to the neediest kids of the Bay area on Three Kings' Day, January 6. Donations of cash or toys are accepted year round. Contact: Jerry Lafferty, Tel: 221-6156; Kelly Trainor, Tel: 222-0069; or Gaby Castro at the Marriot hotel, Tel: 221-0004.

Western Ecological Society
The Western Ecological Society is a non-profit agency in Mexico created to promote the conservation of natural resources in the region of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. The organization seeks to create simple projects, but with a clear focus that fulfills objectives with a minimum of capital. Our Goal: To promote and to impel the protection and conservation of the Wildlife and natural resources in the region of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas in Mexico. To foment the respect of nature through participatory  environmental education in participation, creating conscience and willingness to contribute to the conservation of wildlife. To develop and to support specific projects of conservation and ecosystem restoration, as well as find ways to obtain the economic and human resources necessary to achieve our goals. Email: seaturtlesvta@aol.com

Helping out the children of Vallarta are these two organizations Children's Shelter of Hope Foundation and Mexico Donations, among others.