Each year, FAIRS directors David and Gaynell Larsen travel to the small island country of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean. This year, they traveled with their granddaughter Jacqueline, and she had the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the world. The purpose of their visit was to encourage program leaders supported by FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur Intl. Radio Service, Ltd.), to visit foreign friends and to try to make a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the year, FAIRS works to gather items that we take for granted such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shoes, reading glasses, jewelry, band aids, diabetic supplies, and many other things which they deliver to those who have need in Dominica. FAIRS members also provide support to specific families they have met personally, heard about through project reports and past missions, or who they know need assistance. David and Gaynell take such items to these families: clothing, necessities and even a laptop computer.

Gloria Walsh is director of the Love One Teach One (LOTO) Foundation which benefits school-aged students in the capital city of Roseau. FAIRS has supported the foundation in a variety of ways. To show appreciation, a welcome party was thrown for the group as they arrived by LOTO students and leaders, held at the local Botanical Garden. The party was a great opportunity for David and Gaynell to meet the students which are supported by FAIRS and its members. FAIRS provided funds for a weekend youth camp for students involved in LOTO programs. Though students in the United States have the opportunity to go on field trips for travel and education while in school, Dominican students often do not have such opportunities, and transportation is an issue.  There was much cooperation to put on the camp, and the FAIRS group was happy to pay a visit to the attendees.  The focus of the camp was on leadership, self-esteem, abstinence, relationships and building family.   The theme was “Strengthening Minds for a Better Tomorrow.” Students were invited to take part in many games and activities throughout the weekend.

FAIRS has been working alongside citizens of the village of Bioche toward the construction a community building. The construction is now complete, and regular meetings are held there which the townspeople attend. These meetings are helpful for the community to have a voice and citizens can have a say about what happens within the village. Plans are in the works for a summer reunion. The goal of the reunion is to get people who used to live in the village to come home, visit, and see the progress that has been made.

In the small mountain village of Wotten Waven, FAIRS helps the Wotten Waven Primary School with maintenance and school supplies.  Jacqueline was excited to meet with students and to see how school is for them.

David worked with the amateur radio operators on the island and completed routine repair on critical amateur radio equipment. These repairs help keep communication over the airwaves at the best quality that it can be. David provided training for proper use of the equipment. FAIRS helps to sustain their communications infrastructure by repairing or replacing equipment as needed and helping or funding toward repairs. The goal of this work is to ensure quality communications, and to help those who have an interest in operating amateur radio to have the opportunity to take part in it.

A current project which is in need of support is for the benefit of indigenous people of Dominica in the Kalinago Territory.  Specific families and communities have need of the most basic items as clean water and a weather-protected place to sleep.  Education toward health and family planning are also priorities.  It is the hope of FAIRS director Gaynell Larsen to fulfill some of these needs as she and David continue to direct the Foundation’s mission to advance global goodwill through amateur radio.

FAIRS has been promoting goodwill through amateur radio since 1991, and has served communities both locally and abroad. We’re an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, and thankful for our members and supporters. Their gifts of tax-deductible money, equipment, etc. have made them an important part of the Goodwill works!

FAIRS directors David (KK4WW) and Gaynell Larsen (KK4WWW) are recently home from a mission trip to the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica. They were accompanied this time by grandson Dustin Thompson- a first mission trip and his first time flying!

The group carried large suitcases stuffed with medical and school supplies, shoes, clothes, and items requested by program leaders who carry out work on the island which is supported by FAIRS.

After taking time to activate a phone and organize parcels, the delegation went about making visits and distributions.  FAIRS met with Gloria Walsh of “Love One, Teach One” (LOTO) Foundation, who is currently helped by Peace Corps worker Carrie Katz fromGreensboro,NC.  The Foundation helps numerous children and youth enrolled in after-school feeding & help programs.  FAIRS gave classroom items, shoes, toothbrushes and Bibles.  A movie night was planned for LOTO kids from theSilverLakearea, where the Dominican government has a housing construction project underway, designed to improve living conditions for the people there.

FAIRS also contributed to an effort for helping teens cope with emotional challenges which many of them face.  A youth retreat and weekend seminar is being conducted by LOTO and associates to educate against bullying, acting out and destructive tendencies.

Other Peace Corps workers joined with the team to visit Hubert Thomas of the Council office of the Kalinago (the name of the indigenous people ofDominica).  A special afternoon was a treat for the children he works with in the villages.  They watched a movie, had snacks and juice, and Dustin passed out bracelets made by his sister Carly along with Bibles he collected with help from his church members at Pleasant Valley COB and the Gideons.  FAIRS provided coloring books and crayons, and gave dentistry items which were a gift from a dentist in our area.

The days are going by very fast and each one is a busy one with projects. Here is some of the past two days..

Assisting with Medical Supplies
The Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service (FAIRS) has bring medical supplies to the clinics in Dominica for years. The main hospital has also been on our list and many times we help furnish surgical and other supplies .
Their is always a shortage of supplies and even simple things like Tylenol, Aspirin are always in short supply.  Things list blood sugar  testing devices and the test strip that goes with them are needed. We generally bring sutures for the hospitals. These are expensive and always needed.
We are always glad to have help from folks that can furnish some supplies.  FAIRS is a 501-c-3 so we can generally accept item and issue a tax deduction. 

On this trip we has some of all the above and lots of other small items.

Assisting with School supplies