In the wake of the aftermath of Hurricane Richard as residents of San Pedro gave thanks for being spared once again, they took the opportunity to share their many blessings with the remainder of the country that were not as fortunate.
Hurricane Richard left thousands of individuals and hundreds of households homeless in Belize City, western and southern Belize. As with many local causes, the community joined forces and on Wednesday October 27th held a radio-thon, hosted by the Reef Radio. The radio-thon saw the participation of various groups from the island, including the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Red Cross, Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce, the San Pedro Business Association, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School, the Honduran Community, the Salvadoran Community, the San Pedro Town Council, the Reef Radio, Coral Cable Vision, Seaduced, and SAGA among others. During the fundraiser, the committee was able to raise funds in the amount of $26,483.00.
A team of representatives of the fundraising committee travelled to Belize City: Elito Arceo; Pablo Ico, Deputy Mayor of the SPTC; Osmond Ramirez, and Jan Brown; to purchase supplies needed for the construction of homes for hurricane victims. Materials purchased included $10,000 worth of aluminum roofing and $11,000.00 worth of C-111 Plywood. Apart from the purchase of construction materials, a cheque in the amount of $5,000.00 was presented to the Belize Red Cross from this fund, to assist victims with food and water.
The decision to use the funds collected to purchase building supplies as opposed to simply presenting cash, was made after deliberation by the fundraising committee. The group travelled to Benny’s Home Center, where they lobbied for special discounts, after which a very generous discount was granted.
There is an opened account at the Belize Bank, in the name of the San Pedro Hurricane Relief Fund, which remains opened indefinitely. Funds are still being accepted towards this very worthy cause. The committee hopes to continue its support to the victims of Hurricane Richard.
The San Pedro Hurricane Relief Fund committee wishes to thank Tropic Air, for flying the team to the city, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., everyone that participated actively in the fundraising drive as well as the Ambergris Caye Community which once again, did not fail to give its full support to our Belizean brothers and sisters in this time of much need.
