Cancún Welcomes New Center for Low-Income Residents

The PepeNice organization, known for its community centers in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is planning to open a new center in Cancún. Over the past six months, the organization has collected about ten tons of recyclable materials at their collection center on Las Torres Avenue. The initiative has seen growing participation from individuals and small businesses, who contribute their recyclable waste. The proceeds from selling these materials are used to support low-income individuals at the community centers.

Alejandra Corona Contreras, a representative of PepeNice, stated that their existing centers serve over a hundred underprivileged children. To extend their reach, they are now seeking a location in Cancún for a third center. They are appealing to businesses that might be willing to donate a suitable space for this purpose.

The project initially involved 1,600 families, but this number has now grown to approximately 3,000 families who actively recycle. Alongside the 30 tons of materials collected monthly from businesses, the organization also visits shops to gather their recyclable waste.

Contreras explained, "The proceeds from the sale of these materials cover the electricity and internet costs for the community center, and also support our centers in Tulum and Playa del Carmen."

In collaboration with state authorities, the proposed Cancún community center will offer medical care and government-provided groceries to those who contribute recyclable waste. The center will also focus on inclusivity, catering to the elderly, single mothers, and school-aged children. Additionally, the "Your School Supplies are Also Useful" program, set to launch in May, will benefit over a hundred students.

The organization is currently working with a soft drink company to establish a second permanent collection point in the city, potentially near the Santa Fe residential area. The collection center on Las Torres Avenue sees the most activity on weekends, with a steady increase in well-sorted and packaged recyclable materials being donated.