Travellers Colleen and Dan delivered 2 suitcases to Hospital de Remedios in Cuba!
Here’s what they said about their experience:
“The hospital was built in 1944 and appears to have not had many updates since that time. The gurneys were wood and metal, and the rooms were big wards.
Our taxi driver was kind enough to translate for us so the Director of the Hospital came to meet us later in the day (which he said was unusual that we were able to connect at that time). She took us to the surgical area where we met the surgeon and another staff member, and she brought some of the items to them. The staff member was very grateful for the supplies we brought. We then went to a ward where she brought some supplies to another doctor, the pediatric area.
She shared about their needs, but I feel that alot was lost in the translation. The need there was VERY apparent. Our driver told us that when he had surgery, he was given a list of medical supplies he needed to buy before he had the surgery. Which would be difficult to get in Cuba.
The reason I chose Remedios was that I felt it was out of the way and less likely to get resources. Earlier that day, we also met a staff member who lived across the street from the Hospital in Remedios which made me feel like we needed to go there. She confirmed there was a true need there, and I witnessed that need with my own eyes.
Delivering these suitcases was the highlight of our trip, but I wished I could do so much more. We have SO much here, even with all the imperfections in our systems, we are blessed with a lot. I would encourage anyone going to a country with needs to bring a suitcase and share our wealth. And I hope to do it again in future.”
Thank you, Colleen & Dan!
Not Just Tourists – Toronto
