05/30/2026
Santiago de Cuba is often overlooked, so Vancouver NJT was excited to be able to supply Jeff with a suitcase each for two hospitals there.
We happened to have ideal supplies for a heart surgery hospital as well as for a maternity hospital. Santiago de Cuba's heart surgery (cardiology) centre serves Cuba's eastern provinces and is located inside Saturnino Lora Hospital. Right next door is Materno Norte Tamara Bunke Bider.
Using doctor contacts to make arrangements, Jeff kindly delivered to both the cardiology centre (top picture) and then to the maternity hospital next door (2nd picture). The 3rd picture shows him outside the heart centre with one of the doctors. We were thrilled in Vancouver when Jeff reported double success.
PS: This was just part of his outreach. Before his trip, Jeff collected cash donations from Canadian supporters. Then, using a wish list from the director of a Santiago de Cuba orphanage, Jeff bought milk, school supplies, diapers and other things (including his treat for the kids of pencil crayons). Cuban friends quickly helped him find these supplies.
Milk is hard to get for poor Cubans now that Cuba's subsidized food system is breaking down. Jeff remarked after dropping off his supplies: "There were two young orphaned babies there, one 7 months, and a three month old. The latter was quite malnourished with sticks for arms and legs. It was pretty hard to see but I am very happy with what we did and I think we will do more.” Jeff, thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness for Cubans in need!
