Make your vacation more rewarding with Not Just Tourists – by Akorede Amosun

An article by Katie Idle    No Comments

Did you know that over 500 tons of usable medical supplies are wasted in Canada every year? Not Just Tourists Toronto does! There are millions of people in the developing world that suffer from a lack of access to these same supplies, NJTT is a non-political, non-religious, volunteer based project that is focused on getting medical supplies to those who can’t afford them. Through donations from Canada’s hospitals, clinics, medical suppliers and individuals, NJTT has connected over 30,800 lbs. of medical supplies with medical clinics.

How can you help? Not Just Tourists does not accept any funding, everything is accomplished through its volunteers. Currently at 450+ Canadian helpers, there’s always room for more.

• Carry supplies: Make the most of your next trip by taking a suitcase to a medical institution of your choice. With NJTT, ordinary tourists are given the means to change the lives of the locals they visit. The average NJTT suitcase contains 10kg of medical supplies and so far, hundreds of travellers have delivered supplies to over 35 countries.
• Volunteer: NJTT volunteers collect, pack and distribute all donated medical supplied to those in need. But that’s not where it ends; there are many volunteer positions available for those interested in communications, writing and organization.
• Donate supplies: NJTT accepts supplies from individuals and health professionals that work in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, or anyone in a position to contribute. Supplies donated are typically masks, gloves, IV kits, urinary supplies, syringes, bandages, gauze, gowns, surgical supplies, antiseptics and birthing kits. NJTT also accepts suitcase donations from anyone willing to give.

Marie-Pierre Boileau took her first suitcase last summer on a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, she has been an NJTT volunteer ever since.

“I took the suitcase to a very remote clinic outside of Punta Cana. I wanted to find a place that had virtually no help, places like this aren’t always easy to find. But when I did it felt great, so I came back to Not Just Tourists.”

For more information and traveller stories visit the Not Just Tourists Toronto website.