Tara A. Spears
The true heroes in life are not overpaid movie stars or professional athletes but simple people that work hard all their life. They are not the ones that whine, ‘why me?’ but instead think, ‘why not fix it?’ Humble, caring people that are grateful for what they have: family, friends, community-and play it forward by helping others. 
These three Canadian couples, Buzz and Mary Busby, Mae and Ray Lavis, Heather and Gerald Robertson, are seasonal residents plus their local bestie, Coleman and Giselle Valadez Priske, share the same old school attitude towards life: act respectfully, help strangers in need, appreciate what you have. These four couples compose the Flin Flon Snowbirds team that holds Meat Draws January through March each year. The cost of the raffle tickets are three for $50 pesos or seven for $100 pesos but the prize-benefit to the community- is priceless.
What a powerful impact these fun afternoon raffles have had! In 2025 alone, the Flin Flon Snowbirds have supplied a long list of items to the Guayabitos Fire house/ Bomberos; supported Paramedic training for women Bomberos; made a large donation to the school for special needs; paid for materials to Escuela La Joya; and just completed building a safe walkway beside the road to Los Ayala. Wow, pretty impressive for retired folks on vacation! They express thanks to all the people that come to Restaurant Mexcale in south Guayabitos for the bimonthly meat raffles. (Watch Facebook for dates) 
I am stunned that after all the years of serious injury and even fatalities on that blind curve road, these four couples fixed it! For a bow on the package, there will be lights after dark. Win, win, win! For those outside the area, why this simple path is such a big deal is because the village of Los Ayala has a fabulous beach and lots of charming lodging and restaurants. The downside is that there is no cell service and very few taxis for the visitors that want to partake in the entertainment of the sister towns. Many people walk up the hill in order to use a cell phone to call a taxi, hence the many accidents on that narrow two- lane road without even a shoulder.
The beauty of the meat raffle lies in its heart—bringing people together for a cause, a laugh, and maybe a take home pack of savory meat. This practice began over a hundred years ago in rural areas, where fresh meat was once a prized commodity. The raffle of meat became a practical yet spirited way to fundraise for charities, sporting clubs, and local projects.
If you’re like me, I was not familiar with the concept of a meat draw. What’s interesting is that a meat raffle is essentially a low-stakes, community-oriented game of chance where participants purchase tickets for the opportunity to win a prize consisting of various cuts of meat. The allure lies in the affordable participation cost and the tangible, delicious rewards, making it a popular fundraising method for local organizations and a fun social event. The atmosphere is lighthearted and social, with participants cheering on their fellow raffle-goers. Because of the low participation cost and the appeal of winning a tangible prize, meat raffles can be a surprisingly effective fundraising tool as demonstrated by the success of the Flin Flon Snowbirds.
There are several benefits of holding a meat raffle fundraiser. Firstly, affordability: The low cost of entry makes them accessible to a wide range of people. Second, a tangible Prize: Unlike cash raffles, participants win a tangible and consumable prize that they can enjoy. Thirdly, community Building: Meat raffles often bring people together for a fun and social event, fostering a sense of community. Next, support for a Good Cause: Participants know that their ticket purchase is helping to support a worthwhile organization. Lastly, simplicity: The rules are easy to understand, making it accessible to everyone and you can talk and drink at the same time.
In a fast-paced world with mega conglomerates and high levels of competition, visiting beautiful Los Ayala, Guayabitos and La Penita is a refreshing way to unwind. Rubbing elbows with the everyday people, such as team Flin Flon Snowbirds, reminds us that little steps can lead to a wonderful journey and a better life. Thank you, Coleman and Giselle Valadez Priske, Buzz and Mary Busby, Mae and Ray Lavis, Heather and Gerald Robertson, for lending a hand to help others.
