NJT Manitoba – Winnipeg wishes to thank Jenne and family for taking supplies to Varadero, Cuba.
Jenne writes:
“Hello!
We have finally arrived back home and got through the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
On Monday Dec 23 we took a classic car cab from our resort into downtown Varadero where we got dropped off at the Varadero hospital with the medical suitcase in tow! We walked into the hospital where many locals were waiting to see a doctor! We were greeted by an amazing nurse at the front desk who got us in touch with one of the English speaking doctors. He took us into a small quiet room with a couple of other nurses, when we showed them the contents of the suitcase we saw a flood of tears. The doctor and nurses were in disbelief that someone had thought so much of the Cuban people that we brought supplies all the way from Canada! The doctor kept telling my children that they were important people and the gift they brought will make lives better! As sad as it is I couldn’t get the form filled out for you because there was no access to a writing device where we were 🙁
This was a gift of selflessness and a lesson in giving that my children will never forget. Thank you for helping us help the people of Cuba. When we go back in 2025 we will reach out to you again and we will plan to transport multiple suitcases.
Our trip was fantastic! I didn’t do much socializing this time as it was my first time travelling alone with 4 kids so my attention was on them. Making sure they had a good time and learned things about life in other countries.
We went on a catamaran ride and snorkeling, swam with dolphins and attended a local farm for an authentic Cuban lunch. We rode the hop on hop off bus into the town of Varadero where we walked down the entire strip. We did the markets, the beach, the house of chocolate on 62 calle (I recommend this stop as their chocolate is truly amazing).
The hospital was very sad, many people waiting for treatment and with lack of supplies it seemed quite a few were being turned away. It being a hospital for locals we didn’t make it far into the hospital. It was very bare and dimly light with minimal sitting room and many sitting on the floor waiting for assistance.
Honestly, I’m an empathic person so I find it hard to enjoy a vacation knowing the people where I am are suffering so much. I know it’s only one suitcase but if it can help one person’s quality of life then I know it is making a difference. Showing my kids what goes on around the world and teaching them to always be kind and help others who are less fortunate is something that is really important to me. The smiles my kids had when the doctor told them that they were important people is a picture I will keep with me for a lifetime. And my kids knowing they helped save lives is an experience that will for a part of who they are FOREVER.”
