Through this donation, the Mazatlán Historic Center Governing Council recognizes the great work done by this group of volunteers on behalf of tourists and the image of Mazatlán. The group is made up mostly of foreign residents, although very occasionally local Mazatlecos also participate.
Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico; May 2, 2025 – Congratulations to the members of the Mazatlán Historic Center Governing Council, who donated 70 T-shirts to the “Mazatlan Tourist Aide Volunteers” group, better known to Mazatlan residents as “The Blue Shirts.”
This group was founded more than 14 years ago by Roger Culbertson and Tom Reaney (RIP), when Mazatlán, like the rest of the world, was facing three crises: a financial crisis, a health crisis, and a crisis of insecurity. During that time, a group of foreign residents of various nationalities living in Mazatlán, (many year-round), decided to stand up for Mazatlán and show their love and support by forming a group of volunteers who began sending positive messages about Mazatlán to the arriving tourists, their friends, and family.
The work of these volunteers is exemplary, and, it greatly contributed to the sooner-than-expected return of cruise ships to Mazatlán. They also contributed to expanding Mazatlán’s positive image to cities in Canada, the USA, and other countries, in which the city’s reputation had occasionally been somewhat questionable. There had been no other promotional campaigns for the destination at that time.
This group was recognized by the cruise lines as unique in the world. Even the city’s authorities who operated in recent years took them seriously and even consulted them, which unfortunately the support nowadays leaves much to be desired, and is almost nil.
Nothing whatsover has managed to discourage this hearty group. Not the death or inability of its founders to continue, nor the lack of understanding from the authorities—this lack of understanding is also felt by the Mazatlecos—nor the small disagreements that sometimes arise among them. Despite all this, they continue their invaluable work of providing constant, consistent, and continuous support to cruise ship tourists and, in general, to anyone who requests it, or needs it.
Therefore, when we learned of this donation, we were filled with enthusiasm and hope that it is possible that the “Blue Shirts” volunteer group will once again be properly and deservedly valued. They don’t ask for anything in return, except that their suggestions be taken into account. It is simply their manner in which to pay back Mazatlan – and it’s people – for welcoming them with open arms.
Regarding the donation, it took place at 10:00 a.m. at the Grupo Petroil facilities. It consisted of the distribution of 70 T-shirts, which, as previously mentioned, were for the Mazatlán Tourist AIDE Volunteers (“the Blue Shirts”).
The presentation ceremony was led by Mr. Amado Guzmán Reynaud, President of the Governing Council of the Historic Center, who was accompanied by: Saúl Gaxiola, Treasurer; Laura Gaef (Member); Maggi Rojas (Member); Mónica Sandoval (Member); Berenice Rodríguez (Executive Director); all members of the Governing Council of the Historic Center of Mazatlán (IAP); Mtro.
Also present were Jorge Salcido and his wife Cecy Coppel, who, it’s fair to mention, donated the artwork “Kiss on the Malecón” to be raffled off. The funds raised will be used to purchase t-shirts and design their emblems. Any surplus funds will be used for other projects.
Representing the Mazatlan Tourist Aide Volunteers was their current leader Antonio “Tony” Acuña, a legendary local resident from the old school, who also participates in this volunteer work and suffers the same hardships as his foreign colleagues. But nothing discourages him. Tony keeps going, with the greatest of enthusiasm and a heart full of pride.
It’s also fair to mention that this donation was made possible thanks to the initiative of Elsy López, a member of the Historic Center’s Governing Council, who arranged for the donation of the artwork “Kiss on the Malecón” by Maestro. Jorge Salcido, which will be raffled off this coming May 7th, coinciding with the celebration of the Maestro’s 60th anniversary.
Tickets for this raffle are still on sale and will help carry out more projects of the Historic Center’s Governing Council.ico.
Clarification: We have omitted the names of the members of the Blue Shirts because, in reality, there are so many of them, and all of them are so valuable, that it would be unforgivable to leave one of them unmentioned or missing. So, our apologies for this.