Our Humble Beginnings
1982
A group of six met at the home of Eula Menzies - Dr. Graeme Williams, Ms. Joycelyn Montooth, Mr. Danny Cameron, Dr. Michael Scott and Edgar Menzies. They agreed to join in a mission to assist the health-care sector of their birth land, Guyana, South America, by providing much needed medical supplies.
1983
Dr. Graeme Williams, one of the original six, contacted Direct Relief International of Santa Barbara (DRI) for help. DRI became our partner to provide cost-free medical supplies. GMR agreed to pay a nominal sponsorship to cover packaging and shipping cost. Mercy Hospital, which already had a connection with DRI, was selected as the first recipient.
1984
Two shipments valued at US$28,887 were sent to Mercy Hospital. Dr. Michael Scott became our President and arranged for GMR to be incorporated as a non-profit public benefit. organization. Our incorporation resulted in a larger and more structured committee, planning for bigger fundraisers, and learning and following the rules and regulations for a non-profit entity.
1985
Guyana's Ministry of Health accepted our previous offer of assistance and Georgetown Hospital was added to our program.
1986
Three shipments valued at US$166,690 were sent to Georgetown Hospital and one valued at US$30,130 sent to Mercy Hospital.
1988
Guyana Medical Relief was officially incorporated as a 501 c3 non profit corporation.
With the passing of time other hospitals were added: New Amsterdam , Port Mourant, Linden, Bartica, Suddie, Mahaicony and Davis Memorial. Since inception, GMR has sent medical supplies and equipment with a cumulative value of more than US$120MM to the hospitals and clinics.
Over time, GMR has grown in strength as our support base has grew, allowing the expansion of our support to include a variety of other health care services, including HIV/AIDS counseling, testing and treatment, health education, medical missions by overseas medical personnel, a mobile clinic, facilities construction within hospitals, and providing needed diagnostic equipment to the hospitals, as requested.
Onward
&
Upward
— Eula Menzies - Co-Founder