Thanks for the info, Sam. It’s nice to get some good news out of DR Congo (’cause it’s been all bad for the other primates, of late).

Do you pay in U.S. dollars? Is that the preferred currency?

s.

Yes, you can pay in US dollars anywhere here. The national currency is Congolese Francs, of which there are 550 to the dollar. So you may pay in dollars, and get Congolese Francs back. The highest note here is 500 Francs - so you can end up with a whole lot of money that is not worth much! There are no coins here either.
Another point I would like to make is that people always think things are going to be cheap here. Actually, unless you are buying fruit and vegetables grown here, things are not cheap. Eggs are more expensive than in London, as are apples. And products are imported from Europe or China - often via Dubai. So it makes everything very expensive. And while in the old days products came mostly from Belgian, with all due respect to Chinese manufacturers, their products may be cheaper but absolutely do not last!

That is exactly what it’s like shopping in Mexican border towns - pay in U.S. dollars, get fairly worthless pesos in return. I think it would be a very great thing if Africa could manufacture its own goods. I’d sure as hell buy them.

s.

Hi Samantha, I just made a $25 donation on this site. I forgot to leave a note saying that I want it to go to the clinic. Will you still be able to get it? Lisa, California

[…] manioc wrote a fantastic post today on “Congo Health Clinic: What Have You Bought So Far?”Here’s ONLY a quick extractWith the $155 left I will buy: the Stethoscope/Blood Pressure Measurer, 5 Chlorine bottles, 7 Disinfectant bottles, 5 Blankets, 2 Big Oil Lamps & 2 Small Oil Lamps. This means I still need:. 15 Blankets - $150. 4 Big Oil Lamps - $40 … […]

Thank you Lisa. I will definitely get it. We don’t really get donations through this blog and it all comes up very clearly on paypal. Thank you very much.

Right all the stuff for $153 is bought and in my hallway - blankets, cleaning products, lamps etc. Thank you Lisa for your donation. And my friend Tom has just donated $200. This is terrific guys. Thank you so very much.

Samantha, you are very welcome. It is my pleasure and I sincerely wish I could do more, give more. I imagine that every little bit helps, so I take comfort in knowing that and also knowing that I am truly making a difference and I can see it, by the pictures you share with us. Thank you for that and allowing me to do my part to help. Lisa, California

Glad to hear that Lisa. I am $1,000 away from my target so I shall keep at it!

Sam,

Thanks a lot for all things done for the benefit of rangers who are always target of anti conservation.

Somba

Good on you Sam!!

Nice to know you’re really getting things done over there.

J.

This is the latest news I found on the BBC … http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7043693.stm … I pray the hostilities end soon, though I fear they won’t end until Nkunda meets his end. I pray every day for all at WD and the gorillas. I think that if you have a lot of $$ left over Sam, some should go to hel,p the ranger’s and warden’s families. God Bless

My sister Sue has said she is going to donate money and also my friend June.. so we are getting there! Jim G - many rangers wives use this clinic so we are helping them too!

TO: Samantha … nevermind! It is a wonderful thing you are doing!
I am praying for calm … but I fear there will be strife as long a Nkunda can draw a breath! I am glad the President of the DR Congo has finally looked East and is meeting the problem head-on. Once can only hope the Presidents of the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda can get together reach an accord to deny any and all rebels safe haven. My prayers are with you. God Bless.

I, of course, meant to type, “One can only hope …”.

Thanks Jim. We are all keeping our fingers crossed.

Thank you Esther for the $100. I am getting there!

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