The Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization-Pastors for Peace is now collecting humanitarian aid for Cuba throughout the United States and Canada as part of the 24th Friendshipment Caravan to the island, which constitutes another challenge against the US blockade of the island.

The U.S. organization, created in 1992 and led by the Reverend Lucius Walker till his death in September 2010, is joined by activists from Canada and Mexico.

Some 100 activists are touring dozens of North American cities up to July 18, according to PL news agency.

Vancouver Solidarity-with-Cuba coordinator Tamara Hansen said that they will visit the cities of Waterloo, Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston to collect donations for the Cuban sectors of sports, healthcare and education.

The caravan will also collect tools and resources to support recovery actions in eastern Santiago de Cuba province, which was hard hit by hurricane Sandy last October.

Pastors for Peace is a project aimed at taking humanitarian aid to Cuba without requesting a license from US federal authorities.

Last year, the activists brought 100 tons of humanitarian aid, but U.S. customs blocked a Canadian shipment in White Rock-Blaine and confiscated six personal computers on the international Hidalgo bridge crossing, on the Mexican border.

Also included in the shipment that reached Cuba last year were four vehicles and four containers with medical and school items, as well as tools.