During the short time I’ve had this site, I have had a great time visiting many places in and around Las Vegas. There are so many restaurants, events and shows that have provided me with a fantastic experience, and I am always happy to share that with my readers.
But today I got to check out something a little different. It’s easy to have fun in this city if you have the means. I have been fortunate enough that I have been able to see and do many great things. But for thousands of people in Las Vegas, just making it from day to day is a huge challenge. Fortunately for them, there is a great group that is doing their best to serve those most in need when it comes to basic medical services.
Operation HOPE was established back in 2009 to help homeless and otherwise non-insured people who are facing medical issues with very few options to address them. It’s a “no-cost” clinic that requires a really cool way for the people they see to “pay” for the care they receive.
Instead of paying with money, patients are instead required to “pay-it-forward.” Within 30 days of receiving treatment, the clinic asks that they send a letter in, telling them of at least three good deeds they have done to help others in that time. What an incredible idea!
We got the chance to talk with the man who started it all, Dr. Elliot Shin. He shared with us how he came to take on the homeless as a personal cause. It was really fascinating hearing about how he felt compelled to do everything he could to help those less fortunate. Starting back in college, he has devoted a large portion of his life providing food, health care and so much more to thousands of people in the communities he has lived.
Of course he could not do it all alone. We met so many amazing volunteers at the clinic today who shared the same passion as Dr.Shin. One of those was the CEO of Operation HOPE, Johnny Morales, who was so excited to show us around and tell us about all the great things they have happening.
We took a tour of their new facility which is set to open shortly. In it, they will have not only medical facilities, but also a new dental clinic, which is obviously important considering the people they serve.
The new facilities were beautiful and resembled a medical facility much more than the place they currently use. Since they are funded 100% from private donations, they obviously are forced to work on a shoe string budget. And rather than spend all that money on a fancy building, they prefer to put the money to more practical uses. Still, the new place is a necessary upgrade for them to give proper care. It is scheduled to open following a big fund raiser being held this weekend.
Red Rock Harley Davidson is holding an Operation HOPE ride this Saturday, April 12. The ride will take off from their shop on Rainbow and end up in The District in Henderson. It looks like it is going to be a great time for everyone!
They will be having live music, food, a bike show and a raffle, among the entertainment. The best part is that all proceeds for the event will benefit Operation HOPE!! So be sure to go down and show your support this weekend. You don’t have to have a motorcycle to be a part of the action, just someone looking to make a difference.
I could go on forever about this great organization, but the best thing to do is check them out and see for yourself all the great things they do. You can visit their site HERE to learn more about all they have going on, including the Harley ride this weekend. And please, if you can, consider making a difference yourself and see what you can do to help out their cause.
I would like to thank all the great people down at Operation HOPE for taking some time out of their hectic schedules to show us around. In a city like Las Vegas, where it is so easy to focus on yourself rather than doing what you can to support your fellow man, it is wonderful to see so many great people doing their best to make a difference in their community. We wish them nothing but success and look forward to doing so much more with them in the future!
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