A Caribbean night for a humanitarian cause
A Caribbean night for a humanitarian cause
Published 8:00 pm Friday, September 11, 2026
An Aldergrove couple is bringing the Caribbean heat to the Aldergrove legion later this month to help raise funds for humanitarian aid in Cuba.
The free event, “Hot Caribbean Fiesta,” hosted by Harold Pinter and Kathy Anderson, is taking place on Sept. 19 7 p.m. at the branch, 26607 Fraser Hwy. It will include salsa lessons, music, a limbo contest, a beachwear costume contest, raffles, and a 50/50 draw.
Proceeds and donations from the event will support children in need of humanitarian aid in Cuba, with funds going toward food, medical supplies and daily-use items.
Pinter has been travelling to Cuba for more than 20 years, while Anderson joined along with him in the last seven years.
“He’s just shown me such a beautiful place and the people and how wonderful it is,” Anderson said.
The couple’s interest in delivering humanitarian aid grew after they saw the shortages facing people in Cuba.
“We’re passionate about doing this because, again, it’s just humanity. It’s just being human and not letting people suffer,” said Anderson.
The fundraiser is also personal for Anderson, who was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of this year, and hopes people get the medical supplies and treatment they need.
On a recent trip in January, the couple brought a back brace for a young girl with scoliosis who was unable to find one locally.
On another trip in May, they brought donated medical supplies, including children’s Tylenol, reusable diapers, shoes and other items.
Anderson said the need extends to basic medical supplies that are usually readily available in Canada.
“A friend of ours couldn’t go to the dentist because they had no gloves,” she said. “Like simple gloves that nurses use and that we use here every day. They don’t even have that.”
By working with two other groups, including Not Just Tourists and Love Without Borders, the couple has been able to collect and donate 250 pounds of supplies, such as sutures, needles, syringes, bandages and other medical supplies.
“There’s humanity in the world,” said Anderson. “Even if it’s just a drop in the bucket, and that’s 250 pounds of medical supplies for an island of eight million. It’s a bucket but we can keep trying to fill.”
The upcoming fundraiser at the legion is intended to help cover those costs while giving people a chance to enjoy an evening together.
Anderson clarified that the couple pays for its own flights and baggage, while fundraising dollars solely go towards purchasing humanitarian aid supplies.
“We just want it to be a fun wonderful night,” Anderson said.