Fund for the People of Alquizar Cuba
Donation protected
Dear Family and Friends,
Most of you know that I travelled to Cuba with my Godson this past summer. Before arriving, we both thought of Cuba only in regards to pastel architecture, classic cars, cigars, rum and coffee. However, when Drew and I arrived, we experienced something completely different from our expectations. Cuba is a beautiful place with wonderful, friendly, grateful people. But it is also a country of need. The trip affected both of us profoundly as we spent two days witnessing this first hand. We also realized that those of us in the United States know very little about life in Cuba. For example, the average person’s monthly salary is 30 pesos ($30 USD) per month. This was staggering to us. We had an amazing guide, Osmin, who is now a good friend. I’ve learned a lot about the needs of the Cuban people through him and so have decided to start this Go Fund Me campaign.
I’ll be returning to Cuba on February 17 with a small group of people and will be visiting UNESCO sites, public and cultural schools, a senior citizen home, and a women's hospital. There are needs for supplies at the educational sites, but are well visited by tourists and receive regular donations. While I will be taking essentials to the maternity hospital and the senior home, I am largely focusing my efforts and donations on my friend’s hometown of Alquízar in the Province of Artemesia. As in all of Cuba, there is a lack of basic health supplies that we take for granted here in the US. I will be able to help with these basic health needs and those of local schools.
What will be purchased Go Fund Me dollars and what can be donated?
Vitamins for people of different ages (mainly children and the elderly), aspirin and other pain killers, cold and diarrhea medicines, band aids, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorants, non prescription reading glasses, and other kinds of medicine that doesn't require a doctor's prescription. Cuban pharmacies don't sell any over the counter medicines. Only locally made herbal remedies are available. Those I've listed are unavailable and supplies of general basic medicines can be absent.
The women's hospital we'll be visiting is in need of feminine hygiene products, newborn baby clothing , baby lotion, baby soap, and baby shampoo.
Basic materials needed for the schools in Alquizar include notebooks, paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, color pencils, pens, and USB sticks. I will also be purchasing school shoes for elementary school girls and boys.
The Cuban people are truly inventive and making do based on what they don't have. They are also gracious and appreciative beyond belief. I know in my heart how these simple things will make their lives easier and happier.
I realize that money can be tight this time of year since there are holiday bills to pay and many open their hearts and wallets to the needy during December. Need is year round, however, and as I mentioned Cuba is a place where most of us in the US aren't familiar. So as an added incentive...well, I’m not sure if it's a positive lol...those who donate $20 or more will receive a copy of a music CD I’m currently recording called, “All Kinds of Love.” I’ll be sharing more info about that later.
I NEVER imagined myself reaching out to others in a “Go Fund Me” campaign. Please be assured that funds WILL NOT go toward the cost of my trip. All donations...EVERY PENNY...will be used for these health basics and shoes for children and their families.
Thanks SO MUCH for your consideration to help!
Love,
Howard
Most of you know that I travelled to Cuba with my Godson this past summer. Before arriving, we both thought of Cuba only in regards to pastel architecture, classic cars, cigars, rum and coffee. However, when Drew and I arrived, we experienced something completely different from our expectations. Cuba is a beautiful place with wonderful, friendly, grateful people. But it is also a country of need. The trip affected both of us profoundly as we spent two days witnessing this first hand. We also realized that those of us in the United States know very little about life in Cuba. For example, the average person’s monthly salary is 30 pesos ($30 USD) per month. This was staggering to us. We had an amazing guide, Osmin, who is now a good friend. I’ve learned a lot about the needs of the Cuban people through him and so have decided to start this Go Fund Me campaign.
I’ll be returning to Cuba on February 17 with a small group of people and will be visiting UNESCO sites, public and cultural schools, a senior citizen home, and a women's hospital. There are needs for supplies at the educational sites, but are well visited by tourists and receive regular donations. While I will be taking essentials to the maternity hospital and the senior home, I am largely focusing my efforts and donations on my friend’s hometown of Alquízar in the Province of Artemesia. As in all of Cuba, there is a lack of basic health supplies that we take for granted here in the US. I will be able to help with these basic health needs and those of local schools.
What will be purchased Go Fund Me dollars and what can be donated?
Vitamins for people of different ages (mainly children and the elderly), aspirin and other pain killers, cold and diarrhea medicines, band aids, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorants, non prescription reading glasses, and other kinds of medicine that doesn't require a doctor's prescription. Cuban pharmacies don't sell any over the counter medicines. Only locally made herbal remedies are available. Those I've listed are unavailable and supplies of general basic medicines can be absent.
The women's hospital we'll be visiting is in need of feminine hygiene products, newborn baby clothing , baby lotion, baby soap, and baby shampoo.
Basic materials needed for the schools in Alquizar include notebooks, paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, color pencils, pens, and USB sticks. I will also be purchasing school shoes for elementary school girls and boys.
The Cuban people are truly inventive and making do based on what they don't have. They are also gracious and appreciative beyond belief. I know in my heart how these simple things will make their lives easier and happier.
I realize that money can be tight this time of year since there are holiday bills to pay and many open their hearts and wallets to the needy during December. Need is year round, however, and as I mentioned Cuba is a place where most of us in the US aren't familiar. So as an added incentive...well, I’m not sure if it's a positive lol...those who donate $20 or more will receive a copy of a music CD I’m currently recording called, “All Kinds of Love.” I’ll be sharing more info about that later.
I NEVER imagined myself reaching out to others in a “Go Fund Me” campaign. Please be assured that funds WILL NOT go toward the cost of my trip. All donations...EVERY PENNY...will be used for these health basics and shoes for children and their families.
Thanks SO MUCH for your consideration to help!
Love,
Howard
Organizer
Howard Murray
Organizer
Derry, PA