Rainbow Families Foundation Newsletter - June 2006

 

June 2006

Currently I am building a home for a lady who has ten kids. She lived in a dilapidated shack that was falling over, only being held up by ropes. I am seeking donations to finish the house and also buy bunk beds for the kids. Currently the kids sleep in one set of twin bunk beds. Four boys sleep in one twin bed (the asthmatic baby sleeps with the mother) and the four girls sleep in the other bunk bed (the oldest daughter lives with her paternal grandparents). If you are interested in raising money then I could send you pictures of the family and the house.

I am also trying to get up an emergency fund to buy medicine for the poorest, for emergencies due to an accident or unexpected illness. My commitment to the Dominican Republic people of the north coast is now six years and running, and I know many people so I can (for the most part) know who has resources or can get resources and who has basically nothing or no resources.

I also seek donations to buy books and supplies for kids to go to school. As many of you know, there are several colegios (translation: private schools) and the children's parents or guardians have the resources to send their kids to private school. My fund is for kids whose parents have nothing.

I have collaborated with a doctor who has operated on women who chose not to have more babies. I had to pay the other doctor, anesthesiologist, who would not perform services for free, plus I paid for HIV, Hepatitis, and Hemoglobin tests the doctor required before the surgery. Funding pays for antibiotics and pain medication after the surgery and transportation expenses. I pick up and take home the patients in my car, rather than have them use the public transportation (motorcycle taxi).

I also receive donations of clothing and humanitarian aid from people who come on vacation. So, if you know anyone coming I would be happy to receive their donations and pass them on to the poorest - those who do not have money or assets.