Travellers Stories All of These Stories Are Used by Permission of the Travellers

Travellers’ Stories

All of these stories are used by permission of the travellers. Dates indicate the date the items were posted to the NJT site, not the date of the correspondence.

January 2016

Sharon Helgason

Today, along with Scarlett and my friend Kay, we delivered the 10.5 kg suitcase chock full of medical supplies. Needless to say, Hermana Aurelia was delighted by the vast number of donations. She was particularly pleased with the syringes for her diabetic residents.

It was quite a joy to see the smiles on the faces as we shared your goodwill this morning.

We are doing a story in the January newsletter about your organization and what it means here in our area.

Thanks so much for all that you do.

June 2015

Ken Campbell

I first heard of Not Just Tourists, about four years ago prior to going to Uganda on a volunteer mission. At that time they very co-operatively packed up a suitcase full of surplus medical supplies, that, I eventually dropped at a HIV clinic in Uganda. The lack of facilities and supplies in that place was to put it mildly, rather appalling, I realized one suitcase full was only a drop in the bucket but it did motivated me to make an effort on any future trips to at least try, to make a difference beyond whatever my tourist dollars would do. On my second trip to Cuba this year, we were able to connect with Bridget at NJT and collect a suitcase of supplies. The next step was to find a clinic, although at first directed to the neighbourhood tourist clinic, we certainly wanted to get beyond this. A local priest directed us to the clinic in Cardenas. It was immediately obvious that the need was great, and through a patient’s father, acting as translator, we conveyed the message of what we had, and the nature of the gift. The reaction was one of shock, and extreme gratitude, that someone in Canada, would care enough to try to help.

Back in Canada we received in e-mail from Bridget to say, she just received a delivery from Toronto of everything, she had wanted to send with us, on our last trip. We looked at each other checked Sunwing for charters and said what the heck, and booked another trip.

This trip we were driven to the neurological clinic, where the three doctors went through our gifts, and earmarked the destination for each item. Pediatric medicines etc. staying at this clinic, we then travelled to the main hospital, where we met the hospital director, and the chief of surgery, to find out one surgery normally uses seven pair of gloves. We also dropped off some large binding bandages, and were assured it would not go to waste. The next stop was at a 20-bed emergency clinic, where we dropped off more supplies. Our final stop was back at the main hospital, as it had been discovered we had a box of intravenous hookups. Again what we did not know, was the head doctor, indeed the man who built the neonatal unit, had had his grandson in the main hospital, some two weeks before, but could not be given intravenous fluids, as the hospital had run out of the hookups.

We will be returning again in September.

November 2014

CAN GO AFAR is just back from the Afar region of Ethiopia where we had a most successful trip. All the supplies were received with gratitude and were all most welcome. The materials that we bring them saves them so much in their budget and allows them to put the monies that would otherwise be spent on some of these necessities into other much needed uses. As you can see we are at the small maternity hospital which does an incredible job at reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates amongst the Afar people which is ridiculously high due to many factors. I spent a week here helping out in the ward and in the O.R. so I am fully aware how groups such as NJT are so important.

Nothing is wasted here and much is created and adapted so that it can be used. For all your effort here on this side of the planet in enabling these supplies to reach some extraordinary and needy places we THANK you and your team.

November 2014

Johanne

When we got to Santa Clara, our hosts at the casa particular made contact with the General Hospital, which has a great cancer treatment program. So we took the two suitcases there. They took inventory of every item, assigning them to different departments in the hospital. At one point, this nurse from the oncology department came in and took time to chat with me as she noticed I was in treatment myself. This was a nice and warm encounter for me.

One of the items she was particularly pleased with is a roll of stretching bandages that you can cut a piece from and stretch over someone’s body like after a breast surgery. Also any type of bandages that you can see through. In general they were very happy and thankful for all that you sent.

Thanks to your organization for providing Marguerite and I with this opportunity to be of service to our Cuban folks.

June 2014

I would like to express my gratitude and heart warmth thanks to you and team of Not Just Tourists for your continuance contributions and your support in collecting and helping to send medical supplies to help the suffering people inside Syria. My name is Riam. On June 6th, I had the opportunity to stop over in Toronto to pick up two suitcases of emergency medical aid to Syria. I took the risk to deliver them to the city of Aleppo.

You can't imagine how joyful the local medical staff were upon receiving the desperately needed medical supplies, amid daily bloody bombardment. The supplies were put for used directly into the emergency room.

Thanks for your help. It gave them hope to continue racing 24/7 to save lives and ease the suffering of people.

As a Canadian, I am proud of your contribution that shows how Canadian people do care and will always be respected for their honorable humanitarian role in this global village.

March 2014

Tracey and Jason Major

We are back from our trip to Veradero, what an amazing experience it turned out to be! We knew we were doing something good for the Cuban people, but we never imagined how truly appreciative the doctors were to your generosity and our ability to bring the medical supplies into their country. They actually called all the doctors and support workers to come and see us, to each express their thanks and explain how this aid could not have come at a better time!

Their clinic supports 22 organizations in and around Cardenas and they would ensure that the supplies would be distributed to the areas in most need.

The whole experience was so moving for us. I couldn't help feel like we should have brought more!

Thank you so much for the work that you do, without your generosity this would not have been possible, and we were glad to be a part of it.

March 2014

After a lot of frustration, I am happy to say that the container of med supplies arrived and was unloaded last week in Lebanon. Pls see pictures at: https://picasaweb.google.com/107126175781547696623/CanadianSyr ianReliefMedContainerArrivalUnloadingInLebanon? authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ72prLGhZbfdw&feat=directlink

Many thanks to NJT for its continuous support.

February 2014

Diane C

On delivering a suitcase to Mother Teresa’s hospice in Kolkata (Calcutta):

Here are a couple of photos of the delivery day in Kolkata. The Mother Superior did not want to have her photo taken. It was truly an honour and my pleasure to do this delivery. I'm very proud to be a small part of this organisation.

October 2013

Jacques, Brigit and wonderful people at NJT,

Here the photos of our last weekend endeavour.

As I told Jacques, this medical relief container (the third within the last 12 months) took 26 hours to load up. There were a min of three people to a max of 11 at any point in time. Rain on Saturday was a challenge, but I guess we managed at the end.

This container will go a long way to relieve suffering.

THANK YOU ALL for making this happen. It wouldn't have happened without your endless support. http://bit.ly/1d6ioj2

June 2013

Tarif The trip to Lebanon was an eye opener. When I delivered the med supplies to the local people there, they took me to visit a humble apartment where I met several patients from Syria. They had wounds to head /eye / stomach. Saw some with faulty catheters for urine drainage from the side hip,etc. Stuff that I cannot forget. The picture of suffering was so overwhelming and beyond what I had ever read or expected.

The persons there wanted me to pass to NJT (and specifically to Brigit) a warm and deep THANK YOU for the supplies. They were touched to learn that fellow humans half way across the globe care.

When they heard that we shipped containers to Turkey over the past year or so, they insisted that we need to consider sending them a container as well as the demand is very high.

Thank Jacques and Brigit. Your help is going long ways to reduce human sufferings miles away.

March 2013

The long awaited container has arrived on land and immediately some of its content was put into use!

The one picture that stands out for me is the one with kids in the wheelchair. Remember Jacques, in the whole container, we got two of these from the family that lost their seven-year-old daughter. That wheelchair pickup was the most touching for me. The mother showed me how her daughter liked stickers that were placed everywhere on the chair tray. I picked up many things that belonged to deceased people, but none of these did touch me deeply as this one did.

I was so happy to see that the chairs are put in good use. These two kids have cerebral palsy. I am told that there are four cases like this in this poor area.

March 2013

Luis Francisco Bogran

We want to give thanks for your support to Honduras’ people in need, God has been blessing us to have a wonderful people with big hearts. Today we gave a kid’s wheel chairfrom Rogers Community Center to Sta. Barbara Region to a kids that has brain damage. We want to give thanks to all of you Air Canada too for let us take the wheelchair without any cost to Honduras, Central America.

On behalf of Ambassador Cerrato and myself as a minister, thanks to all of you Canadian friends.

Luis Francisco Bogran Minister Conseiller on Economic and External Cooperation Affairs Embassy of Honduras to Canada

January 2013

Heather Forbes

The clinic was packed and we were quickly met by a nurse. We explained why we had come and opened the bag for her to see. She told us she couldn't take it: rules state that any donations must be accompanied by a letter from the South African government. “I know it sounds stupid, but that's the rule,” she explained, as we stammered in shock.

She asked us to wait and returned with her supervisor. Again we explained the situation. “You mean you bring all of this and ask nothing in return?” she asked. “Yes, of course we'll take it, thank-you.”

She further explained that they were a clinic for children and they could use some of the supplies and would take the rest to another clinic. We thanked her and returned to our cabbie who was waiting outside.

Margaret

My delivery for NJT went very well. Our lead tour guide identified the public clinic in Cóbano, Costa Rica as the facility that could best use the supplies.

The trainee tour guide who has lived in the area for much of her life went in the clinic with us to help explain our purpose. We were quickly lead to the head enfermera, who our guide identified as a doctor but I see translates as nurse. She understandably needed a minute or two to understand who we were and what we had for her but she commented "excellent" when she looked in the bag. She was very willing to fill out the information, and she gave me a hug. Our guide also said it was very special for her to be able to be part of the delivery.

Thanks for the work you are doing in reclaiming supplies and getting them where they can be used.

I enjoyed doing this and would do it again.

July 2012

This past March the Canterbury High School Music Department went to Cuba. We had an incredible time exploring the beautiful island, meeting all the incredible people, bringing gifts to different schools, a charity, and an orphanage, and sharing our love of music.

Before leaving for Cuba, there was a lot to be done. We had all the official preparations, but we also talked a lot about why we should bring gifts, and what we could bring. We agreed that bringing hygiene items, gently used clothing, and medical supplies would be a good idea, but we also thought that because we are an art school, and it was a music trip, to bring music instruments and supplies. Music is so important to the Cuban culture; it is exciting, celebrated, beautiful, and passionate.

Unfortunately, many people cannot pursue their love of music because of limited resources. As a group of students that understood the gift of music, we wanted to help bring resources to Cuban musicians so they can continue to share their love of music.

Early on, I agreed to help with collecting the gifts. I thought it would be fun to learn about the process of collecting gifts, as well as to help pack a few things, and drop them off once we were in Cuba. What I didn’t know was how many hours of hard work I, and many other student and parent volunteers, would put in, as well as how much creative thinking, emotional investment, and logistical planning we would invest in this project.

Getting the gifts was a very time consuming project. We asked students to pitch in, but we went even further than that. We got stores and community members to donate new and gently used items, and eventually we got involved with the organization Not Just Tourists and their contact in Cuba.

When in Cuba, we had phenomenal chaperones who helped us distribute the gifts we had brought. At two schools we got to present the gifts to the principal, and it was so wonderful to hear how grateful they were. It was so nice seeing that everything we had spent months collecting was going to these amazing students that we spent the afternoon with, sharing music and learning some great dance moves! Most of the medical items, clothes, and hygiene products we gave to the NJT contact.

One evening, he came and talked to us about his life and the Cuban people. After his speech, a few of us presented the gifts. His words were so encouraging and he assured all of us that our gifts would get to the people who needed them. It was incredible knowing we were part of something this amazing.

The Cuban people are beautiful, kind, and friendly, with so much pride for their country. Even with all of our research before going to Cuba, it wasn’t until I got there I truly understood why these gifts were so needed.

Being part of something so life-changing was an incredible experience for a 17 year old student, and it made me aware of how lucky we are to be able to run to the drugstore to buy some band-aids, or to continue music after we graduate because we have the resources.

Even though it was hard work, I would help with any project like this one again in a heartbeat. It made me so much more aware of the world, it was fun, and it was so rewarding to know that all these gifts were going to people who truly needed them and were grateful for them. I think that all of us who went on the trip got as much out of the experience as the people receiving the gifts.

Gerry Hogan I travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico every winter and stay with some friends who are missionaries there.

We were not quite sure where to go as my missionary friends are quite well equipped with medical supplies When I was out shopping for food my first day in Mexico, I saw a chiropractor’s office and went in to speak to the chiropractor and his receptionist. They said that the Regional Hospital had the greatest need. The hospital is positioned on the perimeter of the city dump. People actually live at the dump. It is hot, smelly and full of horrible fumes. I felt that, just being there for an hour. I could not imagine human beings living there. But collecting garbage is how they make their living.

The hospital has a big courtyard where 30 to 40 mothers were caring for their babies and very small children. This was the waiting room and emergency for the hospital. We went to a clerk and told them we wanted to donate some medical supplies. Even though we both speak some Spanish, she did not understand but told us to wait. She actually took us to meet the manager of the hospital, a young doctor who spoke quite good English. He put the supplies on his desk and fumbled through them. He said he could use everything I had brought and how much were we charging. He was so puzzled when we said we wanted to give him the stuff. He had never come across this situation before. He was extremely pleasant and told us that the hospital gets a small amount of aid from the Mexican government, but there was never enough. Typically the patients come from the city dump area and had little to no money. He said anything at all would be helpful but that there was no wheelchair at all at the hospital.

I plan to go back and would like to take a wheelchair with me.

Cheryl and Tony

We're back from our trip, and wanted to let you know that the suitcase drop off went smoothly. I'll give you details, in case you have future opportunities to send supplies to Uganda.

My husband (Tony) delivered the suitcase to xxx. This is the referral hospital for the region of Teso, in eastern Uganda. Tony felt that the referral hospital was a good choice for drop-off, as they have doctors with the expertise to use the supplies, and they also reach the population of the whole region. The more rural dispensaries and clinics may not be staffed by doctors, and would each serve a smaller population. And the hospitals in the capital city would, presumably, be less in need. Dr. x. made sure that a meticulous receipt was drawn up and a witness was on hand as the contents of the suitcase were reviewed.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your good work! May God bless your efforts!

March 2012

Cherinet Seid

The NJT suitcase I took to Ethiopia made it there successfully! The Health Centre which received it is 600 km from the capital and is located in Hurumu, ILLubabor. They were very grateful and appreciative that people from this far have sent them a gift.

I want to thank all who are involved with NJT, and especially you and Jan who helped with this specific suitcase.

December 2011

I am pleased to report another successful delivery, making it 8 suitcases over the past year for the area surrounding Breezes Jibacoa.

Once again, Sunwing was very co-operative and thanks to the humanitarian aid letter, even allowed us a few extra kilos for some sports equipment and other supplies we added to our luggage at the last minute.

For the third time in a row it was smooth sailing at the Varadero airport. We have never had a single question about the suitcases. The plane arrived at the gate at 3:35 pm and we were sitting on the bus for the hotel by 4:10 pm!

After deliveries in Hershey and Santa Cruz del Norte on our previous trips, we visited Canasi and delivered the suitcases to the local medical clinic. Once we explained the nature and source of the supplies, the doctor was pleased to accept everything and sign the receipt letter. The suitcases were accepted within a few minutes and it was once again a fun and enriching experience for us.

Thanks again for you making this possible. We will be in touch again, it is a just a question of when.

September 2011

Sylvie Bernard

I did not have one glitch from beginning to end. Maybe I am lucky, but it has always been super easy for me.

I checked in at 5:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. flight. I was prepared to have a bit of trouble since my own suitcase weighed over 60 pounds!!! Plus I had a heavy carry-on and a gigantic purse.

All went extremely well. The clerk never charged me a penny for the extra personal weight and I had made sure that the NTJ suitcase was an exact 10 kilograms. He never even asked to see the waiver form (Sunwing or NJT). He checked the three suitcases and I was done in less than 10 minutes.

Juanita took us to the local dispensary, located inside the Catholic church and introduced me to the head nurse. What a nice lady. She gave me a full tour of the dispensary and introduced me to all the volunteers. Since it was around lunchtime, the place was quite busy, which was great.

It was the first time the person in charge of a polyclino asked for my coordinates and where the goods came from. She explained that once a month, someone from Havana comes to oversee the operation and that she had to account for all medical supplies at the dispensary. I made sure she understood that this gesture was made possible because of NJT.

May 2011

Bob Anderson

All went well with my last trip to Nicaragua. The suitcase went to the sister-in-law of my colleague there, as she is a nurse in a clinic just outside Managua. Seems the first night after delivery of the suitcase, an infant came in severely dehydrated and they needed to get a needle in but all of theirs were too big and they would not work. In the suitcase were some smaller-gauge needles and these worked perfectly, and ultimately saved the baby from (as I was told) a likely death. Just a little good news I thought worthy of passing along.

Jim and Sharon

Las Galeras, Dominican Republic

We had an amazing trip and were successful in bringing the meds to two missionary doctors. The doctors met us at our chalet and were thrilled to get all the goodies we had. They were doing clinics in the little remote villages in our area and were going back to Haiti soon. There were lots of needy folks there, including many Haitian refugees. Thanks again for all the preparation in getting us those supplies; it helped make the trip very special.

March 2011

Catherine Boucher

Just wanted to let you know that all went well with our delivery. No problems at all at customs when we arrived in Varadero.

We decided to deliver the supplies to the pediatric hospital in Matanzas. With the help of a lovely tourist guide who found us a willing cabbie, we had no problem finding the hospital. The driver brought us inside and found the office for us. We were then introduced to the doctor, who had worked in Guyana and Zambia and spoke some English.

He was very pleased with everything we brought. The hospital is the only pediatric hospital for the whole province of Matanzas and it was overflowing. We really would have like to bring them a whole new hospital!

Jan Phillips

We delivered our NJT suitcases to a policlinica in Vedado, Havana (Cuba). It was the closest place to our casa particular (private home) and we could walk there with the suitcases. Late in the afternoon the day before we stopped by the policlinica and spoke with a nurse who said the best thing to do would be to meet with one of two people in the administration who would be at work the following morning. We had a half-hour meeting with Juan, who oversees this large policlinica that offers all medical services to Cubans, as well as rehabilitation like physiotherapy, visual impairments, etc. (Tourists will only be received in the emergency department and will be referred to an international medical centre serving tourists as soon as possible.) He asked us which organisation we were representing and we explained what Not Just Tourists do, and how it is not political but a people-to-people effort. After explaining briefly the contents of the suitcases, we left them in his office and thanked him for his time, feeling that the supplies would be put to good use!

Rachel Belanger

Everything went well. I was 3 kg over the allocated weight per passenger. I showed the doctor's letter to the lady at the counter for Canjet, and she was nice to waive the penalty.

Verona, the Goodwill Ambassador from the Meet the People Program, picked me up at the resort where I was staying and drove me to St. Ann's Bay Hospital, where I was greeted by the hospital administration. Everyone was so nice, I wish I could have brought more (next time I will). I explained the Not Just Tourist project and gave them the printed information I had brought with me. From there I continued with my day with Verona.

I will definitely do this again and encourage others to do it. I feel it is important to help others in need when we can. I am also promoting the Meet the People Program as it is a great way to go out of the usual commercialized activities and meet the people of the Jamaica.

Thank you for the opportunity to do this.

Michelle Roper and Laura Elgin

We set out to deliver our cases on our first full day in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. There was a small hospital nearby in the Saint Ann’s Bay area, and the hotel was very helpful in organizing a cab to take us there. Our driver, Roy, was excited that we were bringing supplies to his local hospital and went out of his way to help us deliver them.

The hospital was very small, and seems to be used as a clinic by the locals. There was a long waiting line when we got there, and Roy said that it is often busy like that. It was a Sunday, so many portions of the hospital were closed, but he asked around with several staff and found someone who had could unlock their storage room. They were very happy and thankful (not to mention surprised!) to receive the two cases of supplies, and I don’t think they’d received much in the past. They said that they’re always in need of supplies there, and would welcome any future visitors.

It was very rewarding to bring these supplies to people who really need them, and this was a great experience we plan to share, and definitely do again.

November 2010

Sylvie Bernard

Got back home last night at midnight after an exceptional trip to Cuba. Not a single question asked at the Transat desk upon arrival, since there was a note on my file allowing me an extra 15 kilograms of baggage. Transat never asked to see any documentation, never even asked to see the content of the suitcase.

So, during my trip, I delivered my goods at a "casa de abuelos" which was in great need of supplies of all kinds, in a poor barrio of Trinidad. The gentleman in charge was more than grateful and assured me that everything I was bringing would be put to good use and that whatever they didn't need would be given to another facility. It was great to see the appreciation in the staff's eyes.

An experience I will always remember, thanks in good part to NJT.

February 2010

Ron St. Louis and Corrie Rabbe

We held onto the suitcase for a few days and when we finally got scooters for the day we re-packed it all up to fit under our seats and in our backpacks, and we were off. We weren't really sure where we were going to drop it off but figured when we got to a village we would find a clinic.

Sure enough, as we scooted through San Antonio de Rio Blanco, a small community just south of Hershey, we spotted a woman taking an elder's blood pressure right out on their front veranda. After nearly screeching to a halt and one of those classic conversations of flailing arms, smiles, nods and bits of Spanglish, the nurse led us to a clinic just across the street.

We were warmly welcomed inside where unloaded all the goods. Needless to say they were quite happy and thankful. It was especially rewarding knowing the NJT package got to a proper place where it will surely be used as intended.

November 2009

Julie Sabourin

The hospital was really happy. The director received us with warm thanks. I don’t believe they have had many people take stuff to them and they are really in need there!

I also had a great experience with the airline company that completely waived off the 6 pounds (so 120$) extra that we had without a problem.

The authority in Jamaica went through our stuff to make sure that it was medical supplies intended for an hospital but really didn't give much of a hassle.

So again I have to say thank you for this great opportunity, it was a great experience and I will definitely do this every time I go somewhere.

March 2009

Doug and Emma Phillips

We took the tour to Santa Clara, and on our way back to the resort, we stopped in Remedios. Victor (our tour guide), Emma and I went to the hospital when the rest of the group had a free half hour. As we walked in, Victor stopped a doctor who he later told me was Cuba's most famous paediatrician (he had seem him on TV many times and Victor had been a teacher of young kids in his previous job). He told the doctor what it was we had.

Well, they dragged us into a room, they got the Director, the Head Nurse, the Head Accountant, and anyone else they could round up, and they gave the three of us about a thousand thank you’s, and shook our hands and talked loudly in Spanish; they just couldn't thank us enough. All very embarrassing but nice. I couldn't wait to get back to the bus, and both Emma and I were so overwhelmed by the appreciation.

These people are so nice; it's just too bad we couldn't do more. While we were waiting, we watched a young mother come running into the hospital with her young child, both crying, it was so sad. I said to Emma, “I hope what we delivered helps those two.”

Thanks again to NJT for all the great humanitarian work they do

January 2009

Helen Roper

We are back from Cuba and I have just sent the signed sheet to you along with a map of the Holguin area, which I think may be useful to others visiting the area in the future.

First of all I had absolutely no questions or inspection of the suitcase either leaving Ottawa or entering Cuba, which was a nice surprise. We decided to take the supplies to Rafael Freyre but the taxi driver couldn’t find a clinic despite asking several residents. Not sure what was going on but it seemed the usual one had its roof blown off and the other one was only open in the morning. I also met someone from Toronto on a tour who was looking for the Rafael Freyre clinic.

We tried again in Chorro de Maita and had a different taxi driver who took us there despite the fact it was off the paved road up a dirt track; the directions in the list were accurate. The clinic was also closed but the custodian lived in the building attached and someone fetched her for us.

Anyway, it was a pleasure and a privilege to do this for you. I wish you and the organization all the best.

December 2008

Jennifer Lalonde We delivered the three suitcases to a clinic in Canasi. It was a small rural clinic on the outskirts of Varadero and a short deviation off the highway btwn Varadero and Havana. They said they had received suitcases of goods in the past though I am not sure they were from your organization. The director of the clinic was not there so we presented the items to the emergency doctor on staff and he signed the papers. The clinic's administrator was also present and explained that they would inventory the items into their pharmacy, distribute the non-medical goods to patients in need and possibly send things they can't use to a larger hospital.

All in all a great experience! We were happy to partake in it and would do it again.

November 2008

Gail & Ulysse

We delivered three suitcases of supplies to the Policlinico in Varadero. We took the 5-peso tourist bus from our hotel to the Policlinico, combining it with a visit to the town. The people at the clinic knew why were there immediately on seeing us tourists carrying suitcases. They were highly appreciative and said the supplies would be distributed to other doctors.

April 2008

Diane Clément Back safely from Ecuador and Peru. Delivered the medical help successfully in a tiny town called San Augustin de Callo near the Cotopaxi Volcano about 2 hours from Quito. We were staying near the Volcano so we asked the owner of the hacienda if she knew of a village where they would benefit from our help. There was the small quichua village maybe 15 minutes drive away, with the clinic. The doctor was VERY happy and surprised to receive our gift.

Nicole Richard

We are back from our trip to Sénégal. We had a wonderful time. Thanks again for sending medical supplies to the "poste de santé" in the village of N'ghoé. The two suitcases filled with supplies were greatly appreciated. Thanks again, Nicole Richard

Danika Burelle

We are happy to say that all 3 of the medical suitcases prepared for us were delivered to very pleased individuals. Only one of us got stopped at the Cuban airport to have the suitcase verified but it was quick and easy.

Our first stop was in Havana. We tried to leave the first suitcase at the "Hospital Docente Clinico Quirurgoco Nacional Calixto Garcia" but with no luck. They could not accept the suitcase because of Hospital policy. You may want to remove this location from your list.

Our taxi driver was lovely enough to drive us to a smaller clinic in the area and the nurses and doctor were extremely happy to take the suitcase. They had 2 other empty suitcases stored on top of a cabinet from previous donations.

We left the second suitcase in Las Terrazas. The third one was left in Vinales. In all three locations the staff took the time to look through the supplies with great enthusiasm.

Humanitarian deed gone good.

March 2008

Benjie Carroll and Johanne Gagné

Just a little note to update you on how the suitcase delivery went. We had no problems at customs in Santa Clara. We first met with Dr. Felicita Gonzalez at the resort. We wanted to deliver the suitcase ourselves so she agreed to arrange this with the hospital director. We met with the hospital director at the Caibarien Hospital, a 50km drive from the resort. Because health care services are centralized in Cuba she could not accept the suitcase herself but agreed to join us to travel across town to the Salud Publica (Public Health) administration. There we met a nurse who was confused at first as to what to do with the contents of the suitcase. It took a bit of explaining before she understood that she could use the supplies to where she felt would best serve the community. So we don't really know if the hospital itself got any of the supplies. What is important is that it will go to benefit the local people. They were very thankful for the gift. Thanks to you, Jacques and NJT for making it possible for us to deliver the medical supplies.

Thanks again.

Jen Gibbs

We're back from what was a wonderful and inspiring trip to Cuba. We travelled around the bulk of the island and quickly realized why so many people fall in love with the country–it's an intoxicating and paradoxical place full of warm people, fabulous propaganda, and lush with exotic vistas.

Lydia and I dropped the suitcases off at La Rampa Clinic as planned. The doctor/vice-director there was delighted to receive the suitcases. I asked her to write up a list of items that the clinic needed and she provided me with a small and near indecipherable list of what she would like the clinic to have (in Spanish naturally). I hope you have an easier time unravelling the mystery than I did.

Have a wonderful summer and thanks for all your hard and noble work!

Best wishes, Jen

Andrea Wilson

Cuba was wonderful! We had a moped for 3 days and really got out and about into the wee towns and backstreets of Cuba. The people of Cuba have good hearts and are very generous and sincere—we were lucky to meet some very special individuals.

Glenn took our suitcase and walked into a clinic in Santa Marta - just outside Varadero. The woman/nurse threw her arms around him and gave him a heartfelt thanks and a big hug! She has signed one of the sheets and kept one for herself.

Another day we went on the moped, a 40-minute ride away, suitcase balanced on our bike to Mantanzas—we again were greeted with big smiles. I have some photos, which I'll email you later. They signed the second sheet.

I got stopped at customs, searched and explained to everyone about the organization, what I was carrying, etc. A good start for my Spanish!

I hope to go back to Cuba again and will be in contact with you then!

Thank you again.

Love and Cuban sun, Andrea Wilson

December 2007

Georges and Patsy Royer

. . . We explained what we were bringing and whom it was from. He showed us other boxes of donated items stacked in a corner of his office. He told us that all donated items are shipped to a central pharmacy, which takes care of their distribution to various destinations in the city.

Several days later in Bayamo, a smaller town west of Santiago, Georges had to go to a hospital after he got some shrimp stuck in his throat. This caused an irritation and a swelling that made it difficult and painful to swallow. He was very well treated and at no cost. This allowed us to see how poorly supplied this hospital was. The smaller the town, the more they need medical supplies. Patsy observed that in that particular emergency room they had no band-aids, no small gauze pads, no rubber tubing for tying off (they used a rubber glove), and the linens on the beds were in a very sad state. They were clean, but badly torn and threadbare. We also noticed that there was water running everywhere in the hospital. Not a single tap we saw would close properly, as there did not seem to be any washers in them.

Brigit Nagy

I just delivered a suitcase in the province of Holguin in Cuba to a small clinic (“Consultorio”) on the road to Gibara, a fishing village near the resort of Guardalavaca.

When I opened the suitcase and they saw the content they exclaimed: “Ay, Dios mio!” (“Oh, my God!”). The nurse reached in and yanked out 2 bags with wound dressing Marian had so thoughtfully included and pressed it to her chest like a long-lost relative.

Also much appreciated was the Acetaminophen (they call it Paracetamol) in all forms—Tylenol, generic—and they adored the sample packages containing one or two pills since they can easily dispense them to patients. They had never seen those.

They say many, many thanks to each and every member of our organization. They would be happy to receive more in the future and specifically mentioned anesthetic and antibiotics. I explained that these are prescription items and may not be easily available, but even a tube of EMLA-cream would do. They did not even have a band-aid, and no iodine either. Smaller cuts and wounds are treated with lemon juice or vinegar (ouch!!) and sutured (if necessary) without anesthetic. Only children get a shot.

Once again the hit of the season were eyeglass frames; they are literally yanked out of my hands. The grandmothers of Holguin and environs send their thank-you because now they can once again knit, read to the children, sort rice etc.

Jason Strachan

Just thought you might like to know we had a great time in Cuba. We went to the oldest hospital in Cuba, which is in Mantanzas. We met some doctors, and the head of the administration. As well we were brought to the children's hospital as we had brought a couple suitcases of toys, pencils and stuff to hand out to the kids. We spent the whole day meeting patients, kids, nurses and doctors. It was a real pleasure to meet everyone and know that we helped, even if it was only a little. The smiles that we saw and the feeling it gave us were priceless.

Thank you for the opportunity!

November 2007

Susan Gold

March 27, 2007

We’re back from our fabulous and diverse Cuba experiences; there was virtually never a dull moment; much was learned about Cuban society and it’s realities. Of course, included in our too-brief encounter with Cuba and it’s people, was the delivery on day 3 in Havana, of our Not Just Tourists suitcase; it was a “very Cuba experience”, not simple, not straightforward.

. . . after many comings and goings of various white-coated people, and the passing of about 30 minutes of mystery, we were summoned into an office, and in a bit of flurry, including the reappearance of the suitcase, official papers were produced, an official stamp and signature deposited on appropriate places, and we were off. I bid a quick and silent farewell to that unpretentious blue vinyl suitcase, which had accompanied us from Canada to Cuba, satisfied that, with the help of a patient and persistent Cuban national, the mission had been accomplished. It was a good experience on all accounts.

Gary and Brigitte Spicer

We were successful in delivering both of our suitcases to the Hospital Saturnino Lora in Santiago de Cuba. We arranged a tour to La Gran Piedra and the La Isabelica coffee plantation museum east of the city, and stopped in Santiago on the way back to the Brisas Sierra Mar. It was a Saturday, and our tour guide/interpreter had to hunt around a bit for an administrator, but we did find one and presented him with the suitcases. He and a doctor who dropped in the office were very thankful to receive them.

So, thanks again for this opportunity and we're looking forward to doing the same thing again on our next trip. It certainly gave us a good feeling to know we were helping, if only in a small way.

Maurice Leonard

October 3, 2007

In behalf of CBHSA-Mindanao and our partners, I would like to extend our gratitude for the medicines and medical equipment we received during your visit here [Philippines]. In fact, a few of our patients have already benefited from the medicines. We also thoroughly enjoyed your visit, the exchange of ideas and getting to know a kindred spirit from a country half a planet away.

Again, thanks. And congratulations! Doc Lynn

Used with permission in 2005 "Dear All, I have just arrived back from Havana and can really confirm that the wheelchairs are badly needed as are the medicine we are taking down. Many workers in the Hotel are even asking for band-aids as there is no way for them to get any."

NJT suitcase: It was easy enough as the customs did not even open our suitcases at the airport, so we just went sailing right through. At the Hotel I solicited the help of the receptionist who tried to speak with any of the doctors on my list of Havana contacts. I finally got a call back from a doctor, who seems to know a couple of people at NJT- Toronto. He did not speak very much English but we arranged a time to take the suitcase to the Hospital. They were so anxious not to miss the drop off that they were waiting for me right at the door of the Hospital.

From the Dominican Republic: "We are truly grateful for your help with medical supplies. May God Bless You.”