The Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-01-21, Page 5Paramedic returns to Costa Rica
as part of earthquake relief team
Gerard Creams
signal -star staff
From the roads of Huron County to the rainfor-
ests and mountains of Costa Rica, paramedic Gary
Renaud is taking his services south this winter.
As part of a team with Global Outreach Mis-
sion, Renaud headed to the developing nation after
a 6.1 -magnitude earthquake devastated the area
January 8. •
No sooner will he touch down on the tarmac than
his work will begin.
"We're already booked for nine medical clinics
before we get there," he said in an interview last
Wednesday. .
Renaud will join a team of doctors, nurses and
fellow paramedics delivering aid to those affected
by the earthquake. In addition, the team will also
be distributing medication for ailments such as
heart disease or diabetes as well as perform minor
surgeries.
The going will be tough, he said, as the earth-
quake has wiped out highways, leaving much of
the affected area next to impossible to access. The
country has no army to help with disaster relief, so
much of the burden falls on foreign aid.
But, he said, it's all part of the job.
"As a paramedic, that's where we go," he said.
"That's a part of what we do. It's really making a
difference."
Renaud has been to Costa Rica twice before
with the mission; and said even with basic medi-
cal treatment the changes in patients over a year is
tremendous.
"It's amazing what you get into," he said. "Pa-
tients from the first year have shown huge im-
provements."
Before flying out Saturday, Jan. 17, Renaud and
his travel companions were busy loading up bags
of medical supplies to bring with them to the Cen-
tral American nation.
The team will be setting up their clinic in Orosi
at an old coffee plantation.
With increasingly tight restrictions on how much
one can bring on a plane, he said it's a challenge
to fit in not only immediate supplies, but medica-
tion and other items to last after the mission crews
depart.
However,. he said any help they give is always
well received and the Costa Ricans are incredible
grateful:
"These are people with a whole lot of difficul-
Photo contributed
Above, paramedic Gary Renaud helps a young
girl during a previous trip to Costa Rica. Renaud is
part of a mission team helping those affected by a
recent earthquake near Orosi, Costa Rica.
ties," he said. "And they don't askfor anything."
Though the clinics do provide immediate treat-
ment to Costa Ricans, Renaud said they also moni-
tor patients when necessary, and in many cases,
have to load up the bus and seek out those who
can't afford to make the trek to the clinics.
There are many refugees in Costa Rica - primar-
ily from Nicaragua - and the mission team makes
sure it extends a helping hand to them as well.
"We've walked up mountain roads to give treat-
ment to these people," said Renaud. "They are al-
ways thankful. No complaints."
He said it's very humbling when a family with
nothing offers food and gifts for their services, but
Renaud said such gratitude is not necessary - help-
ing people is just part of the job.
Construction teams will also be heading out to
help rebuild after the earthquake.
Global Outreach Mission has volunteers from 58
different countries world-wide bringing aid to 40
different regions.
Great Cars.
Great Rates.
Now available with
winter tires!
CaII or visit us today!
Highway 21 south of Goderich at Hyundai of Goderich.
519-524-1795
• MO./
A Licensee of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. or its Affiliate.
Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - Page A5
GoderichGreeter
-WELCOME SERVICE=
If you are a Newcomer,
or know someone who is, call Kim Burgsma 5245721
...for Gift Certificates and local information!
www.goderichgreeter.ca or email kim@goderichgreeter.ca
IS YOUR MONEY
WORKING
THIS HARD?
GE Capital Canada
5.01*
Final Maturity:.06/01/2014
Manulife Financial
5.02*
Final Maturity: 06/26/2015
Telus
6.04*
Final Maturity: 03/15/2017
K Yield 01/19/09. iiihiect to availability. Yield and market vane may fluctuate if sold putty
to maturity and the amount you receive from the sale of these securities may be less than,
equal to or more than ttie amount originally invested. Bond values may decline in a rising
interest rate environment. Any bond called prior to maturity results in reinvestrnenf risk for
the owner of the bond.
To invest in these quality corporate bonds, call or visit
your local Edward and Jones financial advisor today.
Erin J Roy
Financial Advisor
108 Court House Square
Goderich, ON N7A 1M7
519-5244$73
www.edwardiones.com Member c€PC
1",(IN an] Jones
wiaKING SENSE OF i?' VEST N G
BL-
BLI S
Buy Three
2" Faux Woods
& Get the 4th FREES
Beauty that is blinding
Good Economical Way to Furnish a New Home, finish a
Renovation or even a Cottage.
The Stylish 2" Faux Wood gives you a
Crisp Clear New Look & View!
HURRY! FINAL 4 DAYS! Sale ends Sat., Jan. 24th
Blissful Blinds Is the Only Certified Installer for Hunter Douglas Products.
For your
complimentary
In-home •
consultation
Paul & Rnola MacGinly
519-524.5773