Our friends, fellow Seguin Fire Fighter and Seguin neighbours, the Zook family, are stranded in Ghana, Africa amid the hourly worsening COVID-19 pandemic affecting all of our lives right now. Leighton Zook and his wife, Edith, along with 4 of their children traveled to Africa in December to once again donate their time, expertise and skills to charity work. This is not the first time the family has traveled for mission work, they have spent extensive time in Africa and Central America improving the lives of others.  The Zooks are the most giving family, always taking time to check in on others, lend a helping hand and provide food for as many mouths show up at their table. We are blessed to call them friends. The Zook family was scheduled to fly home on April 3. Upon hearing of the worsening conditions and the Prime Minister's warning for Canadians to return home as soon as possible, their flight was changed to the earliest possible departure, March 20th. Once arrived at the airport in Liberia, amidst heavy armed security, the family found out that their flight had been cancelled. On March 22nd they were able to book another flight via Africa to London, England....again the flight was cancelled. To make matters worse, a bank machine in Libera took Leighton's credit card and debit does not work. The family has been provided with temporary food and shelter by Christian Aid Ministries, but the available funds are limited. Leighton is also in need of medical care as he got a small piece of metal in his eye while doing their charity work. The healthcare in the area they are stranded is questionable to say the least so the sooner they can get home the better. The Zooks have followed the recommendations and advice of Global Affairs Canada including registering with them and trying to get home as soon as travel advisories were issued. The Canadian High Commission, the US Embassy, the Canadian Embassy and local MP and MPP have all been contacted, but so far the situation is in a stand still. As of right now, funding to return home in an emergency flight situation is the major issue. Emergency flights home for 6 people have been quoted as high as $6,000 PER PERSON...The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad allows up to $5,000 per person BUT it is a loan and is not immediately paid out. So we are getting together as friends, neighbors, small town business owners (the Zooks own a local Seguin construction company) to try to raise money to help get these wonderful people home!
Update: They just landed in Toronto! Thank you so much everyone for your support. 
Because their banking security may have been compromised when the credit card was taken in Africa, Dave Fowler is authorized to receive and forward the donations on Leighton and Edith's behalf.