I left Toronto with three suitcases a few months ago on behalf of Not Just Tourists Toronto (NJTT) to distribute to clinics in need in Uganda and they were very well received.
The first suitcase was delivered to Mayo Orthopaedic & Medical Clinic in the northern village of Padibe, a small clinic that functions as a walk-in as well as a place that performs operations. The doctor in charge, Dr Komakec said “We cordially and with two hands appreciate the support of Not Just Tourists Toronto to improve the health of our community!”
I left the second suitcase with a midwife named Aiwello Rose Mary, who runs a small birthing centre, also in Padibe, called Lubanga Lagen Birthing Centre. It serves the local village and she provides tests and treatment also for malaria.
Both clinics were very surprised at what NJTT was able to provide and Aiwello mentioned that even though her work can be difficult and trying at times because of a lack of supplies, it is her calling and the gift from NJTT would be extraordinarily helpful and meant a lot to her and the women she will serve in the community. ❤
The third clinic that I left a suitcase at was Bregma Medical Centre in Kitgum town, a medium sized clinic just a few kms away from the northern village of Padibe. It was the second time I had visited to donate a suitcase and I found Dr. Vincent’s colleague Dr. Obur Mike and two nurses who were taken aback as they went through the contents, and as my aunt, a nurse in Quebec, explained and demonstrated to them how certain supplies were to be used.
At a time like this with covid-19 tormenting the world, Uganda is quite fortunate to have only 14 cases and thankfully no fatalities. Rural places like Padibe that are hundreds of kms away from the capital, and where supplies to treat people are already limited, you can only imagine how much gratitude the donations were received with.
For anyone interested in donating NJT suitcases, it is worth noting that airlines, including Air Canada allow travellers that are travelling with charitable donations to take extra suitcases at no extra cost – just as long as you let them know prior to your travel.
-Shuraine
