Volunteer Vacations: Johnny on a mission work, giving rice & beans at the church in the Batey.

Johnny and his wife Annett have been coming to SunCampDR and rented and economical apartment for 6 months. We cannot say that they are only on vacation because they really do some volunteer work. They have been coming and going out of the Dominican Republic for a period over six months with always a humanitarian contribution in mind.

Their main goal and focus is giving food. They have decided to practice their volunteer donation in Puerto Plata, in Munoz Batey which is located right across the tourist complex of Playa Dorada at only 25 minute drive from Puerto Plata airport. They feed hundreds of families in the typical village. They are very punctual and dedicated in giving rice and beans every week.

When both Johnny and Annette had to be back in the States, Wendy, one of our volunteer who also started her vacation at SunCampdr took over. Wendy stayed three months at SunCampDR and was a teacher at our local community center in Munoz. Johnny and Annette never let down their people who need the help.

Annette went back to the State but she is still present in Munoz, giving support. In the meantime, Johnny came back to Puerto Plata, back to his great family at SunCampDR! He  is busy with his mission: making all purchases at the market in Puerto Plata.  He encourages local business. He just bought 600 pounds of rice and 400 pounds of black beans. As you know, rice and beans are the major meal at lunch time in all local families in the Dominican Republic.

The black beans are high in fibers, protein and iron. For sure this good action takes care of some empty stomachs.  Many other renters at SuncampDR joined him to prepare the small bags of rice and beans. Even renters at SuncampDR who just come for a vacation, to enjoy the Caribbean, the sun, beach and mountain like to join in some way to contribute in helping.

If ever you decide to copy this generous action when you come on a vacation under the tropics, there are more and more people desperately awaiting for your donation…  Work is very difficult to find for the local people, so they end up with no income at all, no insurance, no help from the Dominican Republic governmental.  The Haitians have also the inconvenience of not having legal papers, so they cannot work for regular companies nor work in tourism.

They work cutting sugar cane, but this year there are no crops because the government decided not to . Only hard work in construction is left for the Haitians and they are often underpaid. Many are selling goods on the beaches or on the streets. The lady also sell different products, food, beauty  products...  and as you already know, prostitution business is really sad…  A fact is that they have big families and many mouths to feed… and here come Johnny and Annette with their bags of essential ingredients to prepare a decent meal for the family.

Muchas Gracias Johnny and Annette!