Friends of Ostomates Worldwide (FOW) is a charitable organization that collects unused ostomy supplies, and distributes them to ostomates in need all over the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries, where the need is so great. There are various locations where you can contribute supplies:

If you live in Canada:  FOW CANADA
If you live in New Zealand:   FOW NZ
If you live in the US:   FOW USA

Hospices of Hope is a hospice care organization providing support to terminally ill children and adults in Romania, Moldova, Serbia, and Albania. They have offices in the UK (Kent and Scotland) and in the US. Among other much needed medical supplies, Hospices of Hope collects and distributes stoma bags and equipment, which are not widely available in the areas it serves.

The tag line of Jacob’s Well Appeal, “Changing the World … one life at a time,” is exactly what they do, providing medical aid and a raft of other services in over 30 countries. From their headquarters in East Yorkshire, UK, they send surplus and unused ostomy supplies to people who wouldn’t otherwise have any, particularly in West Africa and Moldova.

Ostomates Uganda is a volunteer-run, charitable organization that works to ensure that Ostomates in Uganda have access to vital health supplies. It’s very hard to get affordable supplies in Uganda and most Ostomates manage their ostomy using plastic bags, metal cans, or rags. They also face discrimination and rejection from their relatives, friends and communities due to bad smells and young ostomates may not participate in school work. With your support of colostomy bags and other appliance, you are not only improving the Ostomates health but also improving their quality of life.

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