Travellers wanted to transport medical supplies
If you're headed for a holiday somewhere that's less developed than Canada, why not bring an extra suitcase full of medical supplies?
That's the idea behind Not Just Tourists - a volunteer run program with a Manitoba branch headed up by Tim Blazanovic.
Blazanovic has been involved for the last four years. He signed up after a trip to Cuba.
"I noticed how desperate they were down there for all sorts of humanitarian need and that. And when I came back I said to my wife: 'there's got to be something better we can do.' And I started searching around and I noticed there was group called Not Just Tourists. And before I knew it they said: 'wouldn't you like to be the coordinator for Manitoba?' and I said; 'well I'll try,'" said Blazanovic.
Just about any kind of medical equipment or supplies - other than prescription medication - can be sent with travellers in an extra suitcase. The supplies get donated by hospitals, clinics and doctors offices and Not Just Tourists keeps lists of facilities in a number of countries that appreciate the deliveries.
Blazanovic said Canadian clinics have policies which force them to throw out serviceable supplies.
"As long as it's sealed and hasn't been used, or something like that, then we can re-purpose it out to other countries that are in desperate need of these things," said Blazanovic.
And don't worry about that favourite question from airport security personnel: 'Did you pack this bag yourself?'
Bag carriers are given special instructions to prevent trouble.
"We tell them to empty it, look through it and repackage it. That way in a clear conscience they can say 'yes I did pack my own bag' - and that way they also know what they're taking with them.....And they're not carry-on bags either so that alleviates a lot of problems with carrying syringes and so forth....It's never caused a problem yet so far," said Blazanovic.
People interested in carrying a bag to somewhere where medical supplies might be needed, or donating suitcases or medical supplies can visit the Not Just Tourists website at: www.njt-pqt.org.
Or - if you happen to have a spare warehouse kicking around - Blazanovic would be especially keen to hear from you.
"I have a donated warehouse out of town but it's not heated, it's outdoor. Poses a little bit of problems for some supplies. So then it's back to the usual - homes, garages, sheds et cetera. Wherever we can find a location to put it," said Balzanovic.
