The Cuba behind the postcard ❤️

Cuba is a beautiful country. The colorful streets, the music, the impressive nature and especially the warm, hospitable people make it a special destination.

But behind those beautiful pictures there is also another reality.

My name is Francisca. I am Dutch and live with my family in Viñales, Cuba. I see daily how difficult life has become for many Cubans. Not because there is nothing for sale at all, but because the prices are simply unaffordable for many families.

Medicines are hard to come by, school supplies are a luxury for many parents and even the simplest daily necessities sometimes cost a large part of a month’s salary.

That’s why, together with lovely people from different countries, I try to help families and people in need. Sometimes with a bag of groceries, sometimes with medicines, textbooks or other necessary items.

And the great thing is: you don’t have to give large amounts of money to make a difference.

A small gesture can mean a lot to someone else. ❤️

What do we do with your help? ❤️

Through the support of lovely people from different countries, I have now been able to help many families and people in need. Not through large organizations, but through personal contact with the people who need the help.

A few examples of what we have achieved together:

❤️ Food for families – From rice, eggs and chicken to other daily groceries. For many families, these basic products are hardly affordable anymore.

💊 Medication and medical assistance – We search for and deliver medicines for people who urgently need them, including medicines for seriously ill patients.

📚 Textbooks for children – When it turned out that children at a primary school had no textbooks, we were able to purchase 80 books. With them, 40 children were able to learn to read, write and calculate again.

♿ A wheelchair in Holguín – We were able to purchase a wheelchair for a woman who lost her leg due to cancer.

🤝 Help outside Viñales – Through reliable local contacts, we also support people and aid initiatives in Holguín and the surrounding area of Baracoa.

What sometimes seems like a small amount to us can make a world of difference to a Cuban family.

Where possible I share photoss and updates, so you can see what we’re accomplishing together.

How can you help? ❤️

Do you want to do something for the locals during your trip to Cuba? Or do you want to contribute from abroad? There are several ways you can help.

🧳 Take something with you in your suitcase

Many products that are very common in Europe are difficult to obtain in Cuba or are unaffordable for many people.

Think, for example, of:

• Medicines and medical supplies
• Sanitary napkins and other hygiene products
• Shampoo, soap and toothpaste
• School supplies and writing utensils
• Lice combs
• Baby products

Feel free to contact me in advance. I can tell you what is most needed at that moment and make sure that the items get to the right people. Keep in mind the Cuban import rules, especially for medicines.

❤️ Help with a donation

Even if you are not traveling to Cuba, you can help.

With financial contributions, we buy groceries, medicines, school supplies and other necessary products locally.

I make sure that the help reaches people who really need it as immediately as possible. Where possible I share photos and updates of the purchases and the people we have been able to help.

Support the locals during your trip

Even without donating anything, you can make a difference!

Stay with Cuban families in casas particulares, eat in local restaurants, shop from small business owners and discover Cuba with local guides.

In this way, you will not only enjoy a special holiday, but at the same time you will support the people who make Cuba so special.

Together we can make a difference. Sometimes with something big, but often with something very small. ❤️

❤️ Together we make a difference

Behind every aid campaign is a personal story. A mother who can finally go shopping again, a child who can learn to read thanks to new textbooks, or someone who urgently needs medicine.

Thanks to the generosity of people from different countries, we have already been able to achieve a lot, but the need for help remains great.

Would you also like to contribute?

Every donation, no matter how small, is welcome. With your contribution, we can purchase local food, medicine, school supplies and other necessary products.

I spend the donations as directly as possible on the people who need help. Where possible I share photoss and updates, so you can see what your contribution means.

Donations are completely voluntary and are separate from any travel bookings through Francisca Travel.

Do you want to help? Together we can do so much more! ❤️

❤️ Donate via PayPal

Thank you very much in advance for your contribution! You can choose how much you want to donate.

Please note: PayPal has restrictions on certain international donations. If your payment is not successful, please feel free to contact me via WhatsApp.