This January, a powerful cross-border partnership came to life as Rotary Bajamar, Baja Bridges, and Rotary clubs from Ensenada joined forces with California’s Bakersfield East Rotary Club to make something extraordinary happen for the people of Ensenada.
At the heart of the effort were Rotarians Katherine Turner and Kino Jimenez from Bajamar Rotary Club, who teamed up with Christine Diaz, International Director of Bakersfield East Rotary Club, along with other dedicated Rotarians from the region. Together, they helped secure an incredible deal: a $200,000 hydraulic aerial fire truck for just $20,000 USD.
At the heart of the effort were Rotarians Katherine Turner and Kino Jimenez from Bajamar Rotary Club, who teamed up with Christine Diaz, International Director of Bakersfield East Rotary Club, along with other dedicated Rotarians from the region. Together, they helped secure an incredible deal: a $200,000 hydraulic aerial fire truck for just $20,000 USD.
This isn’t just any fire truck, it’s Ensenada’s first and only aerial fire truck, and it has the power to save lives. With its ability to reach high-rise buildings, it’s designed for tough rescues and fast action, especially in a growing city like Ensenada where new construction, industry, and tourism are booming.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Kino Jimenez volunteered to drive the truck more than 2,000 miles, alongside Jorge Valdez, another skilled mechanic, receiving support from fellow Rotarians and community members across the country. Along the way, the rig was filled with donations from fire departments and local communities: equipment, gear, and supplies, all destined for fire stations in the Ensenada region. It was truly a labor of love, built on compassion and service.
Bakersfield East Rotary Club proudly contributed $4,500 to help make this dream a reality, and the Woodside Rotary Club generously matched that donation. The six Rotary clubs of Ensenada also came together to contribute $6,000 toward the cause. In addition, Baja Bridges helped share the need with clubs across the United States, inspiring even more support for this life-saving effort.
This project is a beautiful example of Rotary’s reach and heart. It reminds us all of why we’re in Rotary, people helping people, stepping up when there’s a need, and building lasting change through kindness, connection, and community, just like our motto says: Service Above Self.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Kino Jimenez volunteered to drive the truck more than 2,000 miles, alongside Jorge Valdez, another skilled mechanic, receiving support from fellow Rotarians and community members across the country. Along the way, the rig was filled with donations from fire departments and local communities: equipment, gear, and supplies, all destined for fire stations in the Ensenada region. It was truly a labor of love, built on compassion and service.
Bakersfield East Rotary Club proudly contributed $4,500 to help make this dream a reality, and the Woodside Rotary Club generously matched that donation. The six Rotary clubs of Ensenada also came together to contribute $6,000 toward the cause. In addition, Baja Bridges helped share the need with clubs across the United States, inspiring even more support for this life-saving effort.
This project is a beautiful example of Rotary’s reach and heart. It reminds us all of why we’re in Rotary, people helping people, stepping up when there’s a need, and building lasting change through kindness, connection, and community, just like our motto says: Service Above Self.
