TIJUANA.- More than 8,500 people receive assistance and assist the department of Integral Family Development (DIF in Spanish) in their 44 locations throughout the city. As a symbol of the work they do, DIF has received a donation of 106 fire extinguishers from the Consul General of the United States in Tijuana.

During a recent speech, Consul General Andrew S. E. Erickson stated that the delivery this Friday is a showing of recognition toward a a department that does so much for those in need. He stated that the fire extinguishers are a way to safeguard property and the lives of those that work and visit these locations, which include preschools, housing, and other offices administered by DIF.

"This donation is a small gift to Tijuana as a token of the appreciation the Consulate has for this city. These extinguishers will be assigned to DIF to be distributed to wherever they deem necessary so that they can make use of them", said Erickson.

The President of DIF, and wife of Tijuana's Mayor, Mrs. Elia de Astiazarán, has confirmed that they have received the gift and thanks the U.S. government for what she believes was a generous gesture that will help safeguard and prevent fires at any of the 44 locations.

"I am thankful for this generous gesture by the Consulate for gifting this equipment, which is essential to ensure the safety of DIF centers and people inside them. Thank you on behalf of all of those people, as this can mean the difference between saving a life or not in an emergency situation", said Elia de Astiazarán.

Of the 8,500 people that receive assistance from DIF centers on a daily basis, about 3,400 are children who attend 37 preshools and day cares operated by DIF, or approximately 40% of all those who receive assistance. Another 2,800 people visit Community Development Centers around the city, where they participate in workshops and courses to learn to be able to generate income and improve their quality of life. The objective is to move beyond assistance and give people the tools to become self-sufficient.

The first lady also indicated that 2,200 elderly adults participate in Happiness Clubs and approximately 40 women and children are currently living in a safe-house for victims of abuse, in addition to around 900 people that visit DIF locations every day to take advantage of programs and services that are offered.

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