A Perth County paramedic is getting ready for a trip to Antigua in two weeks.
But Nadine Balint isn't packing summer dresses, swimwear, and sandals -- she's gathering syringes, gloves, gauze, and other medical supplies.
Balint says the Caribbean island of Barbuda was virtually destroyed by hurricane Irma, and all the residents have been relocated to the larger island of Antigua. Now they are running out of resources and desperately need medical supplies.
Paramedics are accepting donations of unopened and unused medical supplies at the Perth County Paramedic Stations in Listowel, Milverton, Mitchell, Stratford and St. Marys.
They hope to have all the supplies gathered by October 31.
Paramedics are also collecting financial donations to purchase supplies for Nadine and her travelling companions to hand-deliver to Antigua clinics. All of the money will go to purchase supplies for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
"There are so many countries right now that are in desperate need of the very supplies that we would otherwise throw away," says Balint. "Donating to this initiative truly means making a positive impact on so many lives."
For more information on donating to Perth County Paramedic Services’ humanitarian trips, please email pcmedics4relief@gmail.com.