Living on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, it is easy to take things for granted.Not only do we enjoy picture postcard beaches and wonderful scenery but we are also blessed with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the world.

The market value of goods and services produced on Bermuda was recently estimated at $4.857 billion, or $76,403 per head — higher than any other nation. But what about those nations less fortunate than ourselves?

Project Change Bermuda is asking residents to literally face up to how comfortable we are and to give a little back to those less fortunate.

The charity was formed in 2004 as an extension of Project Change of Massachusetts, which provides plastic and reconstructive surgery to disfigured children and adults in Third World countries.

Founding surgeon Dr. Christopher Johnson, of Oklahoma City, was inspired by the trips he made to Ecuador and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) while studying at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

He said: “Project Change was really the outgrowth of several years of mission work I’ve been doing in Ecuador and Zaire. In medicine I have always felt called to work in underprivileged areas. Plastic surgery is very portable so I can carry just about everything I need and we can make a big change to people very easily. Even on the surface, this enables them to move through society more easily and so it’s a very powerful thing.”

The Bermuda charity was formed with fellow founders Ianthia Simmons Wade and Sarah Miller. It has travelled to the jungles of Ecuador, and in November will journey to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to change the lives of those ostracised by society due to disfigurement.

During the mission, a team of two doctors, six nurses and two administrative coordinators will carry out burn reconstruction, cleft lip and palate repair, removal of tumours and hand reconstruction.

Dr. Johnson, 47, said: “Project Change has already resonated with so many people in Bermuda. The support we have received so far in terms of money, blankets and medicines has been unbelievable, but we really need people’s help for this mission.”

Project Change recently held the black tie Casablanca Casino Night at Elbow Beach. The event attracted movers and shakers from the world of politics and business, raising $25,000 towards the trip.

“The Casablanca Ball was an incredible event which really put Project Change on the map for Bermuda,” said Dr. Johnson.

“It made me realise that people in Bermuda understand the importance of what we are doing and that we have so much on this Island but can share that with other people and at the same time get something back.

“It raised $25,000 which was fantastic and the generosity of Bermudians was overwhelming. But we need another $25,000 to make the trip to Tanzania.”

So committed has he been in the past that the consultant has even contributed $20,000 of his own money to pay for nurses’ flights and other expenses.

“Unfortunately, it’s expensive for me to take the team, to pay for flights, travel within the country and boxes of supplies. Even when we get things donated it probably costs us $1,000 per surgical procedure, so it’s really a Herculean task,” said Dr. Johnson.

“On my last mission we performed 77 procedures in ten days, with three surgeons and two operating teams running flat out, so it’s quite a large task to raise this money.

“But those who come on these trips, it really gets in their blood and is very rewarding because it takes you back to the reasons why you became a doctor or a nurse, or a hospital administrator, in the first place.

“The way people thank you is really amazing and it reminds you of what is important in life.

“It really brings out the best in people and makes you better at your profession as you have to really make things happen. So that’s always very satisfying.”

In Tanzania, Dr. Johnson and dentist Dr. Deborah Tuzo will have the difficult task of prioritising who should receive surgery out of hundreds of victims of violence, burns and accidents. Burns are a major problem in the African country as children falling into campfires is commonplace.

Dr. Johnson says this is one reason why he always tries to return to the same place, to follow up on those children and adults the team couldn’t reach the first time.

Project Change has made repeated visits to Salcedo and Latacunga in Ecuador for this reason.

“I would like to go back to Tanzania at least once a year, for a minimum commitment of five years. It’s important to have continuity as the people we can’t help this year we can help next year,” said Dr. Johnson.

In the three years since its inception, Project Change Bermuda has changed the lives of more than 350 children and adults for the better. With the Tanzania mission, Dr. Johnson hopes to transform hundreds more.

The charity is now appealing for donations towards flights, medical supplies, equipment and lodgings. It would also like assistance from IT experts to set up an online register of patients’ data which can be accessed anywhere, from Bermuda to Ecuador to Africa.

To donate to Project Change Bermuda, please contact the Bank of Butterfield in Reid Street, or write to: Dr. Johnson, c/o International Plastic Surgery Associates, Sea Venture Building, 19 Parliament Street, Hamilton, HM02, telephone: 292 2000.

For more information log onto: info@internationalplasticsurgery.org