Help equip SCS students with supplies and medicines for Cuban partners
This year, 10 students and two faculty members from the Social Change and Solidarity profile are going to Cuba and we are organizing a donation drive and a fundraiser to support our Cuban partners.
About the donations
We are setting up a donation bin, painted in the colours of the Cuban flag, outside the Sustainability Office (4A.0) from Nov. 7 through Dec. 5. The Dawson community may contribute anytime during this timeframe.
We’re collecting toys, school supplies, art materials, sewing materials, toiletries, small medical supplies, as well as children’s clothing. These items will be delivered to our partner organization, the Martin Luther King Center, which will distribute them throughout Cuba based on local community needs.
About the Fundraiser
In addition to the donation drive, we’re raising funds to cover the costs of two Humanitarian Medical Kits provided by Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC), which we’ll be taking with us to Cuba. With $1,600 we can access $12,000 worth of medicine! We encourage our community to support this fundraiser, as these kits are essential in meeting critical healthcare needs right now.
You can donate to the medical relief for Cubans here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E359237QE&id=8&cfifid=14
Trip Dates and Program
The trip is scheduled for Dec. 27, 2024 to Jan. 14, 2025. We are arriving in Havana, then moving on to the fishing community of Puerto Esperanza in Pinar del Río, and finishing our trip in Santa Clara. Our itinerary includes meeting with local groups such as Atrevete, a women’s solidarity sewing collective that addresses domestic violence, and La Camorra, a youth-focused cultural initiative in Puerto Esperanza. Through exchanges, we aim to learn from Cuban communities and deepen our understanding of their social, political and economic realities and establish a relationship based on solidarity.
Current Situation in Cuba
Our partner, the Martin Luther King Center, has highlighted the challenging conditions that Cuba is currently facing. The island is experiencing a severe economic crisis, intensified by recent events like an island-wide blackout, the impact of Hurricane Oscar on eastern regions, and the ongoing U.S. blockade. These factors have contributed to widespread shortages of essential goods and have amplified the need for international solidarity.
Looking Ahead
Beyond bringing donations, we’re committed to sharing our experiences and insights with our Dawson community upon returning. We plan to host a post-trip event to discuss our journey and offer a closer look at life in Cuba today, fostering understanding and solidarity within our own community.
