About Us
Christena Callaghan
Hi. My name is Christena Callaghan and I am the President and Founder of Angels for Mexico. I started the Foundation when I learned of the dire need of emergency services - primarily the fire department (Bomberos) in Mexico. This journey has been very divinely guided and I could not have done without the support of amazing family and friends. Two of the most important people that have been on this journey with me from the beginning are my beautiful, loving and joyful children - Caity, 22 and Mitch 19. They never once questioned that what their Mother was trying to do was impossible. Through this journey I have been humbled by the generosity of people here and those in Mexico - they have nothing but would give you their last peso. I look forward to where Angels for Mexico goes from here and invite you to join us!!
Lee John "Big Daddy" May
Working as an employee for the Utilities and Environmental Protection Division for the City of Calgary I believe I understand service. I take great pride in the work I do being involved with the Water Treatment Department and understand the need of having the right tools and training for the job. Whenever I am at work or playing with the music group "Big Daddy & the Water Rats" I always realize that it is the small acts of co-operation, respect and kindness that will guarantee amazing results. I have been blessed with this task of taking part in the support of the emergency service worker of Mexico. I always refer to the story of "a beach that have had a million starfish washed upon it and a lone man strolling picking one up and throwing it back to the ocean when someone said you can't make a difference there are too many. The man smiled, picked up a single starfish, threw back into the ocean and said "I have made a difference to that one." Enjoy each day and may the sunshine on you often.
Rande Mergerenn
I' retired from the Calgary Fire Department as a Captain in 2007
after 28 years. I was living in Puerto Vallarta in 2008 when I
noticed an article in an English language newpaper about Angels for
Mexico. I was excited to be able to help out in a community that had
given me so many good times. Since that time I've been fortunate to
be involved in a home building trip as well as a playground trip.
Both trips were very rewarding and I'm looking forward to the next
playground which we hope can be built in 2012.
Mel Densham
My name is Mel Densham. I have been involved with Angels for Mexico over three years as a board member contributing ideas, gathering fundraising items for auctions,sharing in the efforts involved regarding fundraising functions and generally communicating the many successful endeavors Angels Fort Mexico has achieved so far. I discovered Angels for Mexico during a massage session with Christens Callaghan (a registered therapist) and the president of this worthy cause. I had mentioned to her that I was winding down my working career and wasn't sure what to get involved in. Well that raised a flag and Christena suggested I come on board to help her charity.I am so glad I did as the results of the efforts of her team have been exceptionally well appreciated and recognized. I was raised in Oshawa,Ontario,Canada, moved to Calgary Alberta in 1975. Fortunately for me, shortly after, I married Audrey and both of us have raised two great boys Ryan and Chris. During my working life as a professional retailer I enjoyed success as a senior manager and buyer with 2 National Department Stores, held District Management positions with several national and regional chain stores and also spent 6 years as owner operater of a small group of ladies fashion stores. Currently I hold a sales and marketing postion with a National advertising company.
Harriet Tanaka
I got to know the world of fire fighters many years ago when I married a Calgary firefighter. I retired a few years ago and wanted to get more involved in volunteer work. Started off volunteering at a couple of marathon races. Then helped out at the SPCA whenever I went home for a visit. In Feb of 09 was invited to attend a fundraiser for Angels for Mexico. When introduced to Christena I could feel and see the passion she has for this charity. Oct 2009 while on a mission trip to Puerto Vallarta to build a couple homes for fire fighters, I got to see first hand, the used fire fighting equipment that had been shipped from Calgary being put to good use. I volunteered at the Angels for Mexico fund raisers the next couple years. Was part of two more trips to Puerto Vallarta to build two playgrounds and haul down more fire fighting gear in 2011. Became a board member in 2011.
