Catedral de Hermosillo

Editor’s Note: On June 5, we received the tragic news of the disastrous fire that raged through the government-run ABC Day-Care Centre in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, killing at least 44 children between the ages of six months and five years. As a member of two Phoenix Sister Cities committees, one of them being Hermosillo, I was deeply saddened and wanted to share this letter that offers us all a chance to express our sympathy for the tragic loss of innocent lives. (The accompany photo of Catedral de Hermosillo is a symbol of our thoughts and prayers for the families of the children.)

Dear Phoenix Sister Cities Members:

As many of you may know, last Friday, June 5, there was a tragic fire at a day care center in our sister city, Hermosillo. Sadly, there are now 44 fatalities from the day care fire, all children.

The City of Hermosillo was overwhelmed by this tragedy and has responded that at this point the best assistance we can provide is to collect monetary donations that can be utilized to support the families that have lost children in this tragic fire.

Toward that end, we have opened an account at Wells Fargo Bank to collect donations. The name of the account is the Phoenix Sister Cities Hermosillo Fire Relief Fund, and we encourage all Phoenix Sister Cities members [and others] to give careful consideration to making a contribution to this effort.

All donations are tax deductible as Phoenix Sister Cities is a nonprofit. The account number is 2832588335. Contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank.

This morning, June 11, Phoenix City Councilman, Claude Mattox; Phoenix Sister Cities President, Carol Seidberg; Board Member and Mayor's Office representative George Weisz; Hermosillo Sister Cities Chairman Norm Lords; Hermosillo Sister Cities Vice Chairman, Mike Rakowsky and representatives from the Phoenix Fire Department held a press conference to announce the Phoenix Sister Cities Hermosillo Fire Relief Fund.

Joining Councilman Mattox was Councilman Michael Nowakowski. Councilman Sal DiCiccio also dropped by to lend his support. We are very grateful to the City of Phoenix, Mayor Phil Gordon's Office and all those involved for helping us kick off this important effort to raise funds.

We would like to thank everyone in advance for your support and generosity.

Rick Gerrard

Phoenix rick.gerrard@phoenix.gov

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