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FIESTA FUNDRAISER 2008
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. -- "Once you go and see the people and get their
hugs and their blessings for what you've done, it's so
rewarding that you get as much out of it as the people
we help," said Nancy Sutherland.
Glens Falls Medical Mission Foundation President Nancy
Sutherland says she was hooked after her first trip to
Guatemala. It's a common feeling among the people who go
and that's why they have no trouble trying to raise
money year after year for the thousands of people they
care for every six months in Neuva Santa Rosa.
Volunteer Janine Cantalupo said, "This money is going
towards medicine. It costs $30,000 to provide medicine
to these people in Guatemala."
The Foundation's annual Fiesta is held each year at the
Glens Falls Civic Center. Volunteers say it's a fun day
but the work is serious.
Volunteers
raising money for needy in Guatemala
The Glens Falls
Medical Mission Foundation makes two trips a year to one
of the poorest regions of Guatemala to provide medical
care for people who otherwise wouldn't have it. In order
to care for the thousands of people they see on each
mission, they need to raise thousands of dollars for
supplies and medications. Our Jessica Mokhiber was at
their annual fiesta and has more on the work that the
volunteers do each year.
"The thing that makes this fun is that kids are here and
they're spending their mom and dad's money but they're
learning about those less fortunate," volunteer Daureen
Shoemaker said.
Cantalupo added, "We do this because we want to help
people. We realize on a daily basis how lucky we are and
we want to give back."
Not only is the money going towards a good cause, but
the people who go on these missions year after year say
they can see an improvement in the quality of life for
the people there.
"We are more of a bridge from extreme poverty to
self-sufficiency. I don't feel we're spinning our wheels
and just handing stuff out. People are always coming in
and helping us," said volunteer Dan Imrie.
"Janine and I are both in pediatrics and we can both see
a difference in the kids," Shoemaker added.
Sutherland said, "What you give out to the world, you
get back."
For these dedicated volunteers, they'll continue to give
back for as long as they can.
For more information, visit
gfmmf.org.
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