Central Oregonians help fight Ebola

The Ebola outbreak continues to unfold in West Africa, health care facilities continue to struggle with just how many people need treatment.

World Vision has partnered with local organizers to package, ship and donate 150 caregiver kits directly to Sierra Leone from Bend.

The kits comprise of practical resources that some families don’t have. Kits include, latex gloves, face masks, disinfectant wipes, soap and much more. Even a personalized message is given in each. The main language in Sierra Leone is English, so words of encouragement go a long way.

Bend resident Maria Rowley brought her family to the event at St. Charles Bend.

“We can’t fix this problem, but we can certainly help in a really small way” Rowley said just before putting her third kit together.

She also said the personal note may be a minor part of the kit, but it creates a connection.

Event coordinator Emily Chant said she believes that you have to get your hands dirty in order to take action, and this a tangible way to help locally, for a global issue.

Each kit helps save an entire family. For $30, it covers the supplies, shipping and handling. For more information, visit worldvision.org.