ready for an adventure?
Experience the work of First-Hand Aid first hand! Marc Bohland and his team of volunteers in Havana will give you an adventure of a lifetime while spending time in a place that Marc calls his second home. You will spend time in the children's Oncology ward of Havana's central hospital including the elderly dispensaries throughout the city. Share a meal and enjoy the rich culture of the beautiful Island with your new found friends.
We Make a Good Team
You want to make a difference but still unsure how. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions to get you started. Also at the bottom of this page you will find a form you can fill out to inquire about our volunteer opportunities. We are excited for you to possibly join us in our upcoming missions. See below also for our upcoming missions. By joining us you will see exactly how all the donations and hard work are put to use.
See some of our Videos below
We'll support you as you support us
Do not worry, Cuba is a mystery to most Americans and we get that. We'll be with you every step of the way providing support helping with translation and assisting wherever needed.
making a difference
Is not only about traveling but about making an impact in people's lives and experiencing a new culture. It's about enjoying a rich culture and learning about our neighbours all the while making a difference and changing the world one kid and elderly person at a time. With 100% of your aid and donations going directly to where it is needed hand-to-hand, this is a chance to spend time with the people you are helping and see First-Hand the impact you are making.
How we help
Feeding Seniors
This is our flagship program. Although common in the U.S., there is no other meal program like this in Cuba. Each day, we provide a hot meal for more than 40 elderly or disabled Cubans. The people that we provide for have no possible way of finding meals on their own due to physical and/or mental impairments, or because their families have fled the country.
Serving Families
In addition, we deliver financial assistance to struggling families in Havana. On a monthly basis, we supplement their meager income with financial assistance. It is a small dollar amount by U.S. standards, but it provides significant assistance to people who typically earn less than $30 per month, or cannot earn anything due to disability or age.
Providing Medical Supplies
We support multiple hospitals in Cuba, including a Havana pediatric oncology ward, pediatric trauma hospital, and a small hospital and clinic in rural Guines. We deliver—in person—aid such as medical equipment, supplies and medication: everything from over-the-counter fever reducers to chemotherapy and hard-hitting antibiotics.
Supplying Daily Needs
We deliver personal hygiene products and other supplies to families and clinics in Cuba. Without our help, they would not have access to basic daily products that we take for granted in the U.S., such as deodorant, toothpaste and soap.
Look at our Volunteer story below
Explore Cuba's Rich Heritage
You will get to help families in Cuba gut you will also be able to blend in Cuba's rich and beautiful history.
Excursions will be planned throughout your stay with locals that know the city better than any other resort guide ever will.
upcoming missions
We generally travel to Cuba about four times a year. Please ensure that you message us for confirmation.
We will post travel dates soon.
frequently asked questions
We know that you must be full of questions about our work and how the missions are arranged. We have created a comprehensive FAQ and guide that you can review. Please do not hesitate to message us if you have further questions or if you require clarification on the upcoming travel dates.
Want to join us?
Contact Us
To be notified of upcoming trips, itineraries and signup deadlines, simply send us your name and email. We provide a different sort of experience and our travellers play a vital role in the services that we provide to children and families in Cuba.
