Newsroom

Local paramedic to deliver shoe box donations in Nicaragua

A local paramedic is travelling to Nicaragua April 30, providing medical aid and handing out shoe boxes stuffed with local donations.

Donnie Watson is travelling with a medical team to small communities in the Central America country at the request of Operation Christmas Child.

During Operation Christmas Child paramedics collect shoe boxes stuffed with small toys and school supplies. Boxes are collected in November and sent to children in Third World countries.

Peterborough-area residents donate about 6,000 boxes each year.

Paramedic John Street said Operation Christmas Child asked Peterborough County EMS if a paramedic was willing and able to help hand out boxes and medical aid.

Watson was selected to go because of his high level of training, Street said. Watson is also a registered nurse and an instructor with Fleming College's paramedic program.

Paramedics and organizers behind the local Operation Christmas Child drive are going to be at Lansdowne Place this weekend to raise awareness about Watson's trip.

Street said an ambulance and a first-response emergency vehicle would be on display, as well as the equipment Watson is using.

Organizers are also collecting donations for infrastructure projects in Nicaragua.

Street said any money raised goes to water purification and housing projects.

"This is about a community helping a community," Street said.

The shoe box drive is already incredibly successful, and Street said he hopes to see it grow each year.

Watson returns from his trip May 5.