At the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North Luncheon on April 2, 2019, Gerry Jackson talked about his mission trips to Guatemala.
Gerry and a team of Rotarian's, last November went to Guatermala for a eye mission, to support clinic Casa Colibrí, a not-for-profit humanitarian organization committed to helping the Mayan people of northwest Guatemala improve their lives through programs in health, education, and infrastructure.
The team of five Rotary District 6380 members, brought 1200 pair of used glasses that were already sorted to ease the ability to find an appropriate pair of glasses for the patients. They also brought in and provided 1000 pairs of new sunglasses to help prevent cataracts, and 400 pairs of new readers.
In addition to the 10-hour difficult drive from Guatemala City to clinic Casa Colibrí through rough terrain and mountains, they unpacked and organized the clinic before 4 solid days planned to see patients ranging in age from school age children, through 80’s.
The team brought with them 1200 pair of used glasses that were already sorted to ease the ability to find an appropriate pair of glasses for the patients. They also brought in and provided 1000 pairs of new sunglasses to help prevent cataracts, and 400 pairs of new readers.
A total of 341 patients were seen and most were given prescription glasses. All were given sunglasses. Sunglasses were also given to anyone that came with the patient as well as to all the local children that came by for a visit.
Gerry Jackson said, "fitting a person with glasses, so that they can see clearly for the first time, is quite an awesome experience and really does a heart good! They have the biggest smiles on their faces"
