Medical Supplies Donation to a Clinic in Cuba

A few days before my trip to Cuba, I heard on the radio about the idea of taking a suitcase filled with medical supplies to a clinic at your travel destination. I did more research about this volunteer-run organization, Not Just Tourists, and contacted them to get a suitcase for Cuba.

I went to a pickup site and got a small suitcase filled with bandages, antiseptics, gloves, scalpels, disposable needles, etc. I repacked it and took it with me to Cuba.

My destination, Cayo Largo, is a small resort island with no long term residents. People who came to work here for a few weeks at a time and leave the island. There is one clinic in the small village that serves both locals and foreigners. The doctor was thankful to receive the donation.

Not Just Tourists has a number of independent branches across Canada. Next time you’re going on a trip, take a suitcase, change a life!

Say No to Elephant Rides

Elephant is an iconic symbol of the Thai culture and history. You can find elephants in ancient legends, art and religion.

It is very easy to arrange for an elephant ride in Thailand as they are offered in all the destinations, either as a bundle of activities or as a trip by itself. It seems like it is a “must-do” for many tourists.

I have been on one before as a hotel and tour package that I purchased. It was not a comfortable ride and I felt unsafe. Sitting so high up, your life is totally dependent on the behaviour of the elephant.

Last month, a tourist was trampled to death by an elephant during a trekking tour. In another incident, an elephant ran away with tourists on its back after killing its handler.

The treatment of these giant animals has been a concern for many years. Elephants are often chained and are kept away from others. They are group animals and this is very damaging to their emotional health. Like humans, elephants are empathetic beings.

The good news is that over 100 tour operators have recently say no to elephant rides.

Elephant Sanctuary

Instead of riding elephants, visit an elephant sanctuary where you can learn and bath the elephants. Here are some well-known sites in Thailand:

• Elephant Nature Park
• Thai Elephant Conservation Center
• Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary