Helping in Small Ways While Abroad

With everything happening in the world right now, it is harder and harder to find a way to help support people in need safely.

A few months ago, I began planning our family vacation to Cuba. I found myself asking an uncomfortable question: How can I travel responsibly to a place where people are struggling?

I had a small, unexpected windfall. Not life-changing by any stretch, but enough that we could afford a reasonably priced Caribbean vacation. As a family, we opted for Cuba.We did all the normal and responsible things — purchased medical insurance, arranged pet sitting, and stocked up on reef-safe sunscreen because we are pale Canadians.

I have never been to Cuba. I have been to Mexico and Jamaica, and once to Bermuda with the military. All were stunningly beautiful, and the people were warm and friendly. I expect the Cuban people will be similar.

I also know the average Cuban family is struggling. Long-term embargoes, ongoing economic challenges, a particularly severe hurricane season, and outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya have left many people without access to things many of us take for granted.

So how can I, as a fairly average Canadian tourist, help?

We considered not going, but we were repeatedly told that the Cuban people depend on tourist dollars. So we began to brainstorm.

Here is what we decided:

• We would tip reasonably.

• We would not barter to the penny for items we purchased.

• We would connect with organizations such as Not Just Tourists, which provide packs of medical supplies that travellers can bring as an additional suitcase.
  

All of this felt positive. Still, as a small business owner whose work focuses on survivors and supporting those who have been victimized, I wondered whether there was a way to do more.

The answer, I believe, is yes.

Using an online wholesale site, I ordered several cases of feminine hygiene products and handheld rechargeable fans. Through Amazon, I ordered mosquito repellent and a few mosquito nets. I will also be picking up adult Tylenol and Children's Tylenol from Costco, as these are in demand, and Advil is not recommended for these viruses.

Is it enough? No — how could it be? But I believe small acts of solidarity matter. When enough people bring what they can, when enough tourists recognize that travel is an opportunity for connection rather than just consumption, we create ripples of positive change. Perhaps what I bring will make a difference for a handful of people. That matters.

I am a Canadian. I am proud of my country. I also believe that, as a privileged Canadian, I have a social responsibility to give when and what I can — including when I travel. The emergency room I delivered the supplies to looked like a movie set from the 1950s. The resort staff I approached with my fruit-patterned beach bag to offer tampons and bug repellent were gracious and receptive. None of it was done in a splashy, big way. I was just hoping I was helping.

The world is scary and uncertain, with every wave of news seeming to bring new horrors to our doorsteps. As we work hard on turning the tide globally, don’t forget that sometimes we can do something small. Sure, it is a drop in the bucket for the world, but it may make a difference in one family or one person’s life. And that counts for something. Especially now.