Amistad 26 Connections Assn.

06/06/2026

This is an update from our friends in
Matanzas last night June 5 2026.

'We are evaluating the situation now and things are not only not improving but taking a turn for the worse. Politically nothing is really happening and Cuba is bankrupt and the government is crumbling.
Protests are starting to happen only time will tell .
Matanzas looks deserted today lots of people out of work, the latest are the hotel workers because of the hotel closures. Inflation is skyrocketing cup is 615 to 1 USD so salaries are nothing for Cubans that work for the government.
Supplies into the country are not stable so we think it might me a good idea to make another shipment just in case so we don't run into the possibility of loosing that opportunity in case things go bad fast. '

Arlene and I spoke with our friends and decided to increase the regular Matanzas order by 1/3 , we also managed to find a simple gravity water filtration system to send and extra cartridges, as the electricity and clean water supply are tied together and both are very unreliable .
Much gratitude to all that are helping with this food aid project, so far its all getting to Cuba and kids and families are getting fed!

To donate :
[email protected]
And for more information :

In January 2026, a group of 26 singers and instrumentalists from across Canada and the United States travelled to Matanzas, Cuba for a week of music, dance, and cultural exchange. Hosted by local...

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Taking the rumba class to the street at the end of the day . Love it!

05/25/2026

Some of the kids from la rumba soy yo academy with their share of the food aid from amistad26connect .

05/19/2026

This just came in from our pals in Matanzas . Arlene and I are amazed at what is happening with our simple idea of sending food aid - the support from our friends and music community here in Canada has been so very heartwarming.
Now we need to find ways to keep the momentum going. The situation in Cuba continues to worsen, and every amount donated — no matter how small — truly helps. Your support is getting food directly into the hands of students, families, and artists who are struggling through daily shortages of food, fuel, electricity, and basic supplies. We are deeply grateful for every person who has helped make this possible.

'Ory and I are so happy to see the way this is going thank you so much to all of the artists and kind hearts that have made this incredible idea possible we are reaching 67 children , 8 teachers , 4 families of single mothers , 17 members of El Almacen including our family and a few doctors and teachers of our kids .
Simply Fantastic !!!
The gift of love through food is immense.
God bless you all!'

05/15/2026

This is a check-in from our friend in Havana, who is helping distribute the food we are sending.
(Translated from spanish)
'Good morning, dear friends! Here's a little update on how far the food aid has reached.
More than 11 families benefited. Among them are 7 people over 75 years old and 5 children. One is Cuban actor with a distinguished career who is currently living in very precarious conditions. Another is an artist and friend who lives alone with her two elderly and ailing parents. Her mother has advanced Parkinson's disease. An 80-year-old neighbor lives alone and can barely walk. When I delivered the food, amidst her gratitude, she confessed that she hadn't had lunch and that she was going to prepare something quickly, and shared many other stories. I also delivered some items separately to a few other neighbors in Central Havana. Here in Cuba, a large part of the population is having a very hard time, including professionals, artists, pensioners, parents with children, and the general population. Last night there were many protests due to long hours of power outages and the lack of water and food in the city. The people are tired and can't take it anymore.'

05/12/2026

Order #11 to Matanzas and Order #3 to Havana were sent out today. ❤️ Every shipment means more food and support reaching families who truly need it. Thank you to everyone helping make this possible.

04/30/2026

Order #10 shipped out to Matanzas today, and #2 is on its way to our Havana connection. Each delivery means food getting into the hands of people who really need it—we’re so grateful to keep this going. 💕