Container Troubles in Romania

A container that was sent on October 27, 2011 has been delayed due to custom regulations in Romania. It was to go to Crihalma (Brasov region) for Albert Enns. It arrived in early January and was due to clear customs by the 9th. However, upon arrival we were made aware of new import rules concerning medical equipment.

Two weeks ago we were given the choices to either destroy the equipment, have the container sent back to Canada or find another country to take the supplies. Given the cost of these choices we have decided to send it to Cahul in Moldova, a small country bordering Romania. Currently it is in the port city of Constanta, Romania and we are hoping that it will be released tomorrow, (February, 3).

This is an example of some of the many problems that can arise when shipping containers overseas. The cost is not limited to the shipment but can run thousands of dollars over in these cases. Please continue to pray that the doors will be open for this one to make it safely to a place it can be used. Our next container will also be sent to Romania, pray that it will not experience the troubles of our latest shipment.
constanta, port city of romania

Earthquake Victims Say Thank You

After receiving food, clothing, toys, shoes, household goods and medical supplies, residents of El Monte, Chile show their gratitude to their friends in Canada!

Volunteers unload aid for Chile

Volunteers worked hard to unload the container of aid sent by GEMS from Canada. Clothing, food, household goods and medical supplies were trucked by more volunteers to points of need up to 500 km away.

Chileans look to GEMS for help

The Chilean Emergency Committee in Vancouver, BC has asked GEMS and our team of volunteers to help with aid to their earthquake and tsunami stricken country. The local communities in Vancouver and Victoria are setting up temporary collection depots and organizing fundraisers. In addition to funds, the following goods are needed: non perishable food (should have at least 6 months of shelf life), baby formula, medical supplies, diapers for adults and babies, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, home tools (including nails & screws), kitchen utensils in working order, winter clothing in good shape, school supplies, toys, power generators.

These goods will be brought together and shipped from our Langley depot.

More photos from Haiti

These photos just begin to express the joy and excitement people experience as they unpack the aid and supplies. As we work together, we can make a difference to people struggling in seemingly hopeless circumstances. Thanks for helping us to help others.
Rod and Deb Wray are on the ground in Haiti and write:

We are very excited to have received the container!  It has been unloaded and everything is great. The bicycles are beautiful and we have already assembled and tried out more than a dozen. The clothes and shoes are excellent and we already did a very organized distribution to all the school kids at the camp.   (We have a lot of clothes to distribute still). The skateboards, scooters, generators, pumps and basketball / volleyball posts and equipment are great. It is funny how things are so much more special once they arrive here in Haiti.

the re-building can continue

young helpers

power for re-construction

bundles of clothes and blankets

the container has arrived

loaded with hope

More help arrives in Haiti

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Dallas Baptist Church in Kamloops, BC, much need supplies are being distributed in Haiti. It is so exciting to see the faces of the Haitian people and on-site workers as they unload this container we sent in cooperation with Harvest International.

Warm Clothes Arrive in Romania

On February 3, our November shipment to Romania arrived in Crihalma (small village just outside of Brasov), Romania and was unloaded the next day. The shipment included food, clothing, computers and medical equipment. Albert Enns who is coordinating distribution sent these photographs.