Not Just Tourists – Winnipeg, Manitoba has a traveller story to share from Shannon! Thank you Shannon for taking a suitcase to Cuba!
Delivering the suitcase was the highlight of my trip!
We were able to deliver the suitcase to the Policlinico Communitario in Santa Marta, Cuba. Despite the language barrier, the staff seemed to understand and were pleasantly surprised to hear that all of the items (50 lbs) including the suitcase were donated from Canada.
We hired a taxi from our resort to take us to Santa Marta. I handed him the address and 20 minutes later we arrived. After some discussion with some bystanders out taxi driver directed us around the corner of the building. The clinic was on the second floor of what appeared to be a multi service clinic. ( I saw posters for dental treatments/procedures.)
The front line staff greeted us wearing masks because of the very recent Covid-19 pandemic. The waiting room was rather dark, with zero patients and had vented walls to allow for outside airflow. No air conditioning here!
We were ushered into an office where I handed the Spanish version of what the organization is about. Thank goodness for that document!!! Shortly after a director arrived, read the document and again thanked us for the items. We went though some of the supplies, but we’re all stumped with the purpose of a few of the items.
We were there for a total of about 20 minutes. They were so very appreciative of everything.
I don’t believe the contact person was at the clinic that day, so the director signed for the suitcase.
I really connected with the fact that this organizations is a “no strings attached” type organizations. By that I mean, the non- religious part. I’m not associated with any religious organization and was really looking for a group that provides support and kindness without having to believe in a higher power. All people are deserving of respect regardless of what they do or don’t believe.
Thanks again for your quick action, so this could happen. Next time we’re bringing 2 suitcases!
Shannon
