BBF's Mission Trip Program

Mission Trip Program
Contact Ilva Letoja: iletoja@brothersbrother.org

Ghana

BBF helps various organizations and individuals going on medical mission trips to impoverished countries all over the world by providing supplies ranging from pharmaceutical basics to surgical tools. Often, countries have strict custom regulations that stall sea and air shipments affecting the expiration date of these supplies.

Consequently, mission teams can hand-carry these supplies and insure the distribution and absorption of medicines prior to their expiration.

In 2008, BBF helped with 200 mission trips to countries such as Ethiopia, Honduras and Peru with hand-carried medical supplies valued at more than $9 million.

"Most of the places served by these trips are in poor isolated villages where the people have not seen a medical provider in several years, if ever," noted by Dr. Matthew Aboudara of Global Impact Ethiopi, in a letter to BBF. "Often where there are unused medical supplies left, they are donated to local health clinics that serve these deprived villages."

Naomi Roper, a nurse for Miracle Village International, went on two mission trips to Peru last year.

"Both trips were very successful, treating over a thousand patients on each trip. We stayed at Cajamarca and traveled to surrounding villages offering free medical and dental care to all who came,"
Ms. Roper wrote in a thank-you letter.

As evidenced by numerous thank-you letters BBF receives after each mission trip, many organizations hope to continue their collaboration with BBF.

Dr. Leigh B. Grossman from the University of Virginia Health System was part of a team who went on a mission trip to Haiti last year and treated more than a thousand patients.

"Thanks to your generous support, we provided much better targeted care and treatment than we would have otherwise," she wrote to BBF.

For any organization or individuals going on mission trips, BBF asks that they provide relevant background information on the mission, a copy of the medical license of a doctor or pharmacist going on the trip, a copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) [the IRS letter proving non-profit status], a wish list of supplies or medicines and a shipping address. This information may be supplied online via our International Recipient Organization Form.

Medicines available for mission trips can include antibiotics, antihistamines, vitamins, burn creams, gastro-intestinal medicine and cardiac agents. BBF also offers basic surgical instruments.

If you are interested in a Crocs shoes donation, email Ilva Letoja at iletoja@brothersbrother.org . For educational supplies, email Carol Taylor at ctaylor@brothersbrother.org .

BBF will provide these supplies depending on what is available in the warehouse at the time of the trip. There are no expenses to you for medicines and shipment within the United States.

Honduras

BBF, a 52-year old Pittsburgh-based international charity, has provided over $3.4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds, and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in over 140 countries. With the help of gifts from the general public, corporations and the US government, in 2009 BBF sent product contributions to those in need in 70 countries including Argentina, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Malawi, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda and Vietnam. These shipments were the equivalent of 319 tractor trailer loads. Also in 2009, BBF furnished supplies for 265 medical and humanitarian hand-carry mission trips.

Forbes Magazine, the national business periodical, listed Brother's Brother Foundation as one of the top four most efficient charities in a special issue,
2009 investment guide charity, December 2008. The issue lists
200 charities, rating them on how efficiently they collect and distribute donations.
Brother's Brother Foundation received 100 % or higher rating in both charitable commitment and fundraising efficiency.

Donations to assist with shipping costs are greatly appreciated. Credit card donations can be made by calling Brother's Brother Foundation at 412-321-3160. Checks should be made out to Brother's Brother Foundation and sent to:
Brother's Brother Foundation
1200 Galveston Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

For additional information, please contact:
Karen Dempsey, Vice President Development/Administration @ 412-237-2324 or email: kdempsey@brothersbrother.org

Luke Hingson, President @ 412-237-2320 or email: lhingson@brothersbrother.org