The Guatemala experience is a wonderful example of the organic nature of the Foundation’s projects. Spearheaded by Dr. D., Anne Lossing, and Mary Tidlund it began with an idea to supply basic health and maternity education and services and medical supplies to a poor, remote village. When all was said and done, the volunteers not only ran a two-week medical clinic providing basic assistance, dental hygiene and optometry, but helped construct a learning centre, tested local water, gave computer lessons to more than 150 children and adults and laid the foundation for two separate micro-businesses. The Foundation bought a cement mixer for the construction project which the village can now rent out. We also provided three computers to the community, provided funds for a 17-year old local ‘computer whiz’ (Gonzalo) to give ongoing lessons and made arrangements with the local hotel to install the internet for a pay-for-use service, to generate funds from tourists.

A group of 20 volunteers from Calgary, Canmore, Saskatoon and Costa Rica, paid their own way to Guatemala for two weeks in January to work with our Guatemalan partners Anne Lossing and Dr. Enrique. The team of medical professionals, construction workers and educators included: Dr. D., Lucas Dickson, Margaret Dickson, Tim Hull, Teresa Centanni, Greg Maher, Sheila Conacher, Brian Lewis, Jacqueline Lewis, Joanna Nightengale, Teghan Nightngale, Michael Turcot, Michael (Armando) Weiss, Christine Murray, Kathleen Murray, Jodi Denson, Sandra Oshanyk, Mark Gordon and Fabio Mora Median.

Jackie and Brian Lewis were in charge of computer training. Despite a three-day electricity failure, they were able to accommodate everyone who wanted to learn. “We had an almost overwhelming response of people happy and eager to learn. With 150 people signed up, we scheduled 10 people per computer per hour. Before the hour was up, the next group was lined up for their turn.” Jackie says it was an incredible experience. “Through the computer, we were able to open up the world to them. We were able to make such a big difference in such a short time. We will definitely go again.” Within a month of returning to Canada, the Lewis’ raised $5,000 to fund ongoing help tok the village. The hotel owner agreed to install the internet if the $200 per month fee could be paid. The Foundation is pleased to have been part of the initiation of this project and will continue in a smaller way with medical and educational support.