Chapter 36: Clinic Fund

For the next few days the girls were busy with life happenings, Whilst out walking along the beach towards Snapper Rocks she notice a surf clinic which was run out of the back of a white van. Stopping to look at the young people being taught skills to surf, The trainer said to the trainee’s surfers “If you do not give opportunity, or take opportunity then life will pass you by.”

Continuing on with her walk she notice a Medical Clinic for skin conditions. Putting the two together Helena realised that she needed to get the lepers in Vanuatu an opportunity to continue with life and end their isolation. Walking back to her unit Helena knew the two people who could assist. Calling Janet and Julie on her mobile, she invited them out for lunch at the French Restaurant at 12.30. Both agreed to attend.

Changing clothes, them meeting the ladies at lunch, she proposed an opportunity to assist the lepers. Her idea was to get the residence of the island to build a new treatment clinic with materials from Australia. They needed a building plan, Doctor’s and nurses residence, clinic space with up to say 12 beds, treatment rooms, supplies and stock rooms, etc etc.

Speaking to the twins Helena proposed “That you two ladies become the Australian face for the fund, Be the PR people and I will do the major funding. We need to get the supplies in Australia and send by container to the island. The local people would not allow anything to be returned from the island so the containers could be the start of the clinic. Were they interested in becoming the face for the fund. Ben can do the company and tax setup?”

They both laughed and then Julie mentioned “We were discussing this very idea last night at dinner and Ben was going to raise the matter with you on your next meeting. Yes we would be the fund face knowing that you do not seek glory or reward. The major item is we know who deserves the reward. We were discussing the name as ‘Leper’ has bad name. Our idea was to call it something like Vanuatu Hansen’s Diseases Clinic. Hospital sound too formal. VHC or VHDC Which do you propose?”

Helena advised “Both Xena and Claire in Vanuatu have funding for the WHO to supply Doctors and nurses for the treatment. We will be the Clinic building program. We can get them involved but over there, they have a negative outlook by the older people if the younger are involved in any way with the lepers. Their fund has a faceless name, so we can ask for help but be careful where you are when asking for their help.”

Just then, outside a large truck pulled up with some container building for a show in the park. Looking at the building, the waiter interrupted “Sorry about the noise, The local musical show is setting up a stage and changing rooms with surplus mining equipment. They will be about 30 minutes.” The girls looked at each other with ideas floating around.

Due to the noise, the girls finished lunch and adjourned back to Helena unit for coffee. Looking out over the balcony seeing the setup. Janet said “I think we have found our buildings. Ready made and surplus. We can fill them with supplies before shipping. Do we get someone here or in Vanuatu to design the place?”

“Good Question” mentioned Helena.