Huge thanks to Shan and Michelle for taking a suitcase to Roatan! [NJT Toronto]
“We had a great trip! The weather was perfect – every day! The swimming and snorkelling (and diving) in Roatan, Honduras are amazing and it was a treat to be able to spend so much time in the ocean (and especially to avoid some of our Canadian winter!).
We took a NJT bag to Clinica Esperanza in Sandy Bay. It was important for us to take a suitcase with us because we wanted to make sure we were giving back to the community which housed, fed, and cared for us on our visit. While there is value to contributing to an economy and helping to create jobs through tourism, we also wanted to make sure that we were helping the most vulnerable in the community.
While at the clinic, we were informed that a recent devastating hurricane and stagnant economy had displaced many mainland Hondurans and forced them to move to Roatan and set up residence in an area called “La Colonia”. With little access to education, employment, and basic necessities like running water, the residents of La Colonia now make up the majority of the people served by Clinica Esperanza.
Whenever we travel we are always reminded how lucky we are to be able to vacation in such lovely places. But by delivering a NJT suitcase we are also reminded how fortunate we are to be able to return to such a safe and stable home.
Thanks again for this opportunity and for the work that you do!
Shan and Michelle”
