Frequently Ask Questions

Thank you for viewing the Under The Same Sun website.  

Many visitors have emailed questions to us and from these, we have been able to pick out the most popular ones.  If you do not see your question answered here, please feel free to email us using the “Contact Us” page.

QUESTION NUMBER 1:  Which items can be shipped to Tanzania?

The following list of items are those things which can be accepted by UTSS for shipment to Tanzania (PLEASE NOTE THAT CLOTHING, HATS AND SUNSCREENS MUST BE NEW):

• WIDE-BRIMMED HATS - children's/youth sizes are needed most. (Unfortunately, baseball caps cannot be accepted as they do not provide adequate sun protection.)
• SUNGLASSES - can be "used", but must be clean and in good condition.
• SUNSCREEN LOTION - must have a minimum Sun Protection Factor of 35 - the higher the SPF, the better. All bottles must be new and unopened. Please place each bottle in a zip-lock bag and seal it before it is mailed/shipped (this reduces chance of leakage during transport).
• LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS - must be light-weight and definitely LONG-SLEEVED. No T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts can be accepted. Light colours are best as they reflect the sun.
• SCHOOL SUPPLIES of any kind will not be accepted as we prefer to purchase them in Tanzania for several reasons:
1. They are easily purchased in Tanzania while supporting the local economy.
2. Out of respect to the schools who tend to know what is needed but lack funds.
3. Shipping costs are higher than the value of these goods.
• MAGNIFIERS - small, hand-held magnifiers are accepted.  PLEASE NOTE that UTSS does not accept battery-operated "flashlight" magnifiers or stand-alone desk magnifiers.  UTSS is also unable to accept prescription lenses/glasses/spectacles of any kind for delivery to Tanzania.

QUESTION NUMBER 2:  To where do I ship the above items?

US mailing address:

Under The Same Sun
c/o Mike's Parcel Pickup
183 W. Stutsman Street
Pembina, ND   58271-4100

Canadian mailing address:

Under The Same Sun
c/o Multicultural Family Centre
51 Morrow Avenue
Winnipeg, MB  R2M 1A5

Once goods arrive at either of the above addresses, they will be shipped via secure transport to the UTSS office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for distribution to people with albinism.

QUESTION NUMBER 3: Is Under The Same Sun a “legitimate” charity and are my donations being used honestly?

At UTSS, we understand in today's world why people ask this question. Please be assured that Under The Same Sun is a Canadian federally-registered charity and is in accordance with The Income Tax Act of Canada. Furthermore, UTSS is also registered and recognized under The Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2002 of the United Republic of Tanzania. All funds donated go directly to assist persons with albinism in Tanzania - they are not used for administrative purposes.

QUESTION NUMBER 4: How do I contact schools in Tanzania?

Under The Same Sun works with a few schools in Tanzania which are currently assisting children with albinism to remain safe and to receive an education.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide mailing addresses for these schools. They are located in extremely remote areas with limited, if any, mail service. Furthermore, any mailed parcels are highly unlikely to arrive at these schools due to unreliable delivery systems. Such items are often lost, delayed or stolen unless they are delivered directly by established, reliable contacts.

Therefore, it is best to send any of the above items listed in Question Number 1 to the US and Canadian addresses listed in Question Number 2. From there, items will be shipped directly to the UTSS office in Dar es Salaam from where they will be transported directly to the individual schools.

QUESTION NUMBER 5: How do I send monetary donations to UTSS?

Under The Same Sun accepts credit card donations through our website: Click here to donate

Cheques can be mailed to the Under The Same Sun office at Suite #400, 15225 – 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC CANADA, V3R 6Y8. Cheques can be in US or CDN dollars. Cheques should be made payable to: Under The Same Sun

QUESTION NUMBER 6: How do I adopt a child with albinism from Tanzania?

Under The Same Sun is not involved in or with any adoption procedures or agencies in Tanzania. As a result, we cannot offer any advice or information on this subject.

QUESTION NUMBER 7: Can I write to and be a pen-pal with adults/children with albinism in Tanzania?

Please be aware that the vast majority of Tanzanians do not speak or read the English language. Although English is spoken more frequently in business, governmental and tourism realms, the official language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. Furthermore, due to security concerns, we are not able to release the contact details of individual Tanzanians.

QUESTION NUMBER 8: Can I sponsor an individual child with albinism in Tanzania?

At this time, all donations will go directly to sponsoring education for persons with albinism in Tanzania as a general donation. Due to the urgency of the situation as well as security precautions, we are not able to assign donors to a student with whom they can be in personal contact. Their identity and location are frequently hidden to prevent further risk.

QUESTION NUMBER 9: How can I get involved ( partner) with UTSS?
We admire your passion and desire to join UTSS in this very significant cause.

UTSS does not have a volunteer program at this time nor do we have job positions available in our Tanzanian office. We employ only Tanzanian citizens with a preference given to persons with albinism. I'm sure you will understand our reasoning for this. As for our Canadian office, we are very small and fully staffed
One thing you may want to consider is initiating a fund raiser (see FAQ # 5) as a way to increase awareness. Feel free to use any of the information on our website.  If you plan on collecting physical items other than financial donations please see FAQ #1 & #2. Thanks for your shared concern