The shoeshine men in Oaxaca's beloved Llano Park are easy to ignore, they're just part of the unchanging urban landscape; silent figures at work in front of their metal chairs, ignored by the families and racing children and hand-holding teenage couples that congregate on the walkways.
We were hardly aware that these men are respected labourers who put in long hours to provide for their families. When Covid hit, their livelihood dried up instantly and like many Mexicans they faced serious hardship.
A long-time resident named Larry Ginzkey and his pals stepped up.
For years Larry has led groups of foreigners: ex-pats, tourists, permanent residents, snowbirds... gringos of all kinds, on wonderful hikes into the hills and indigenous villages that circle Oaxaca. These activities also ground to a halt with Covid, as most people, including us, cancelled our winter trip.
With no one to sign up for his walks, Larry pivoted from hiking trails to organizing financial assistance for people in dire need, including the families of the shoeshine men. He put the word out to his long list of hikers and they responded with enthusiasm and generosity.
Throughout this last year he received an amazing $59,730.00 USD from incredibly generous hiker-donors, most of it sent from the US and Canada. The funds were dispersed through trusted grassroots organizations directly to families suffering extreme poverty due to sudden unemployment, mostly in tourism and the service industry. The people in greatest need received weekly assistance that included food baskets and money for school fees and medicine.
The state of Oaxaca ranks among the poorest in Mexico, but in terms of traditional culture, diversity of ethnic groups, gastronomy, artisan workmanship, and friendliness, Oaxaqueños are among the richest.
They were hit hard by the pandemic and they deserve the generosity of their Snowbirds. It's heart-warming to see how willingly these Good Samaritans have helped their Mexican neighbours during some very bleak months.
I'm hoping to be back in the park next January 2022 to say buenas tardes to the shoeshine guys, some of whom have been working there for 30 years.
