Suit Case Drive
January 23, 2016 at 10:00AM until January 24, 2016 at 05:00PMSECOND ANNUAL SUITCASE DRIVE
DONATE YOUR USED SUITCASES!
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Do you have a delicately used full-sized suitcase* that you are considering throwing out?
Why not donate it to this amazing cause instead - Not Just Tourists is seeking delicately used full-sized suitcases for their volunteer travellers who deliver medical supplies to clinics in-need around the world.
Suitcases are left in the recipient country so they’re always looking for replacements!
*We welcome and request full-sized suitcases and/or large back packs only
BRING YOUR USED SUIT CASE TO THE SHOW & DROP THEM OFF TO NJT!
Who is Not Just Tourists?
After seeing first-hand the serious lack of medical supplies in Cuba in 1990, Dr. Ken Taylor and his wife Denise—from St. Catharines, Ontario—started taking medical supplies to remote areas in Cuba. Soon others who were traveling to Cuba began approaching them to take medical too, and the Not Just Tourists phenomenon started.
For more information on Not Just Tourists, visit their website at www.njttoronto.com
Read Up On Margo's NJT Experience:
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"It’s a rewarding thing to be able to give back something that is remarkably valuable to communities that may not have supplies and the Cuban people are so welcoming and kind that you just want to do whatever you can to bring a little sunshine into their lives.
I always travel with Air Canada and since I upgraded my seat, I was allowed a second suitcase. There were no issues since it was not carryon and didn’t have to be put through the x-ray upon entry.
I did mention at the airport counter when checking in how pleased I was to be able to bring a second bag and when the attendant found out what was in the smaller suitcase, she looked at me, smiled and told me that it was a wonderful thing I was doing and wished me a fabulous vacation.
I was driven to Choro de Maita by taxi, a 57 Opel, and the driver was the husband of one of the resort staff. Someone else at the resort placed a call to her father that lives in the vicinity and he advised that it was a doctor’s house and someone would be there as the living accommodations were on site. Obviously a taxi up in the hills created a lot of interest and it wasn’t long before children were at the fences of their homes or walking up the road to see what was going on. We knocked on the door and the Consultario #4 is managed and run by a nurse. A doctor visits on occasion or when needed. I was shocked at how small and barren the facility was. A few odd chairs in a small entry waiting area and her office consisted of a very old wooden desk and some more odd chairs. The examining area had one table for the patient covered in a white sheet. Very primitive, but I have to say it was extremely clean.
I think the most memorable moment was when the taxi driver told her why we were there. I thought she was going to cry. I know there may have been other tourists there in the past on behalf of NJT, but it was evident that they were in need and the supplies I brought were perfect.
I want to commend NJT, all the volunteers and suppliers for the amazing dedication to such a great cause. It’s wonderful for people like me to be able to help out -- one suitcase at a time!! I’ll be going back again next May and will be taking another suitcase with me."
Margo Clarke, Downtown Toronto
