NJT’s very own superstar volunteer Michelle Hudak took two bags with her family to Domincan Republic! Michelle and her son Joe are part of what keeps NJT alive and well at our weekly packs. Thank you for all that you do! <3
“We had a great vacation at a resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and the highlight was delivering two suitcases of medical supplies from Not Just Tourists Toronto to a local clinic.
Our adventure went quite smoothly. We had no idea ahead of time where we would take the supplies, so we had to locate a clinic in need and find someone who could drive us and act as a translator for us.
Fortunately, our Transat representative at our resort, Epifanio, offered to help us with everything. He drove us in his own car and was able to locate an appropriate clinic in Verón, just outside of Punta Cana. Incidentally, the clinic is located across the road from a hospital where you have to pay for services or need insurance. He said it is extremely expensive for local residents; therefore, people without the means to pay use the free clinic. However, as we noted, the clinic is very small and busy. Epifanio told the nurse why we were there and he reported back to us that they definitely wanted the supplies. After a few minutes’ wait, the doctor was also able to join us for a moment to greet us and for a picture. He spoke some English and told us himself that the supplies were needed and greatly appreciated.
I would recommend this experience to anyone who travels. You are bound to meet kind and friendly people, you get to explore your destination in a more authentic way, and of course it feels good to help. Having volunteered with NJT Toronto for a year (so far!), it was great to take the final products of our weekly packs—full suitcases—in person to a place where the supplies would be used.
Michelle, Tom & Joseph Hudak”
