As The Dubois Charitable Foundation nears the end of another shipping season, allow me to reflect on a seven year journey. What started as a gathering of friends and family who shared an interest in Cuba and especially in the people of Cuba, has grown into something much more. We are priveleged and honoured to be able to live and work with such dedicated and loving people.

In 2007 , the Foundation reached a few milestones in sending off its 46th container to Cuba since 2001. This represents more than 500 tons of humanitarian aid and medical equipment to schools, orphanages, senior's residences, hospitals, clinics, special needs institutions, and to local Cuban municipalities for specific projects. A particularly well received donation was a fully operational cargo truck!

We work with other non-profit organizations here in Canada and elsewhere globally. Where there is a need that we can help to address, we try to get involved. We were able to send a twenty foot
container of medical equipment to Tanzania.

For donations to Cuba in 2006, we were the largest non governmental donor in North America. The Foundation was also ranked 66th among the hundreds of Canadian charities operating internationally, for the value of the assistance provided.

These accomplishments are a testimonial to the hard work, dedication, generosity, and energy of many. A never ending commitment from a small band of long time volunteers is the rock solid base enabling our work to continue. These people are always willing to make sacrifices, to change their schedules, and to participate in any number of ways whenever requested.

To all of you who make it possible for our Foundation to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of needy, vulnerable, and disabled persons in Cuba and elsewhere, heartfelt thanks from Marion and myself.

John Dubois
December 2007