Kelowna

Here’s an unusual gift idea for the holidays. How about giving the gift of surgery in a loved one’s name?

A team of local physicians, nurses and support staff are planning to travel to Nicaragua early next year to perform surgeries on some of the Western hemisphere's poorest people.

Collette Boutilier, a registered nurse from Kelowna, is one of 44 people planning to make the trip with the Mobile Adventist Surgery for Humanity organization through the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

“We will be doing surgeries such as gall bladder removals, hysterectomies and the occasional hip replacement, free of charge. In Canada, these surgeries would cost thousands of dollars, in Nicaragua they can be done for about $50. However, even $50 is unaffordable to a person who earns less than $1 a day, which is why we are hoping more people will want to sponsor a surgery as a Christmas gift on behalf of someone they love,” says Boutilier.

She says they are also hoping for other donations, specifically, hockey bags.

“Each team member must take two hockey bags full of supplies. Medical supplies such as gauze and medicine as well as toys and new socks for some of the orphaned children. We need a lot of hockey bags, and it’s hard to come across them right now because it’s hockey season and everyone is using their bags.”

Boutilier says the M.A.S.H team is planning to leave Kelowna on February 13 and return on the 28.

During the two week trip, the team hopes to perform an average of 20 surgeries a day.

Those interested in donating to the trip or purchasing a surgery as a Christmas gift can contact Collette at 448-2606 or go to the Rutland Seventh Day Adventist Church at 130 Gerstmar Road.