The Dubois Charitable Foundation experienced one of our busiest years to date. Our normal efforts to fill the pipeline with medical equipment and supplies were extremely successful. We were able to send 5 containers jammed full with hospital beds, wheelchairs, incubators, and a large assortment of medical consumables. The growth of this program is a real testimony to the generosity and spirit of our supporters.We are priveleged and honoured to be able to live and work with such dedicated and loving people.

The Foundation was pressed into emergency response as a result of an incredibly active hurricane season. Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Paloma in turn made their way from one end of Cuba to the other.

Very few communities were left untouched. On Isla de la Juventud nearly all the island's roads were washed out and some regions heavily flooded. Isla de la Juventud is a home to 87,000 people and recorded some serious damage: 20,000 homes out of 25,000 were completely destroyed.

On the mainland, the sugar cane crop was devastated, with over 340,000 hectares destroyed. 2008 marked the only time that 3 major hurricanes have hit Cuba in the same season.The devestation left thousands of homes destroyed, wiped out crops, and severely damaged the electrical grid. In response, the Foundation and its supporters rallied to assist those in need in Cuba.

Our response was as powerful as any hurricane. We welcomed donations of food, medical supplies, building materials, clothing, and cash. So strong was the response that we were able to fill three containers in a five week span. It was evident that our legion of supporters was widespread: we received donations from all over Ontario, from Québec, and even from as far away as The United Kingdom. This generosity enabled us to respond quickly and appropriately to a real disaster.