La Vagabonde - Hopeful Charity help in Pacific.

[gypsyvagabond]

Hello Riley here,

Myself and my girlfriend are going to pass through the Panama Canal at some stage in January/Feb. I have read somewhere (can't remember where) that some of the islands in the Pacific are really in need of specific items. If someone knows first hand of the need or is involved or even better can put us in touch with a Charity that genuinely needs like soccer balls or insulin or something we would like to help.

Secondly where would be the best place to buy these things before the crossing/s???

Thank you all.

Riley and Elayna
Sailing La Vagabonde

[NoTies]

Most islands can benefit from education supplies, pens, school books etc. One thing we got asked for a few times is children's reading books as they had very little material to encourage kids to read. Fishing hooks and line are always welcome. Medicine can be a thorny issue in some places but paracetomol and antibiotics in date are worth carrying. The islanders will generally take whatever you offer, even if they don't need it so try to conduct your own assessment. For treats for the kids think popcorn, not lollies. Post cyclone Pam here everybody was donating rice. Bad idea, the incidence of diabetes is likely to skyrocket with the reliance on rice now for very little nutritional value. You are unlikely to encounter any serious mal nutrition but lentils would be a more valuable contribution.
Most importantly, trade instead of giving wherever possible. This allow the locals to retain mana as well as helping to stem the culture of welfare instead of self reliance which is rapidly establishing itself.