To continue assisting families in the DFC area who lost everything in a fire on November 19th, the San Pedro Lions Club donated over $4,000 to the victims on Wednesday, December 4th. These funds were raised during a barbecue sale and dollar drive held on November 27th at their Den on Barrier Reef Drive.
The beneficiaries of this charitable event included Stephanie Usher and her family, Sandra Catzin and Rigo Kumul, and Annelise Usher and her family. San Pedro Lions Club President Nesher Acosta expressed gratitude to the community for their support during the fundraiser. “We are now asking anyone from the community who has windows, doors, kitchen utensils, bedding materials, bathroom fixtures, and other household items to please contribute,” Acosta said.
The National Emergency Management Organization was among the first agencies to assist the victims, arranging for shelters to be opened to provide temporary accommodation. However, the families chose to stay with relatives. President Acosta mentioned that potential donors can contact them through their Facebook page at https://shorturl.at/t7xc6. They can also reach out to one of the fire victims, Catzin, at telephone number 631-2707 or via Facebook at https://shorturl.at/hQLRe. Monetary donations can be made to her Heritage Bank account under the name Sandra Isela Catzin, account number #3212575.
Police confirmed the devastating fire as an act of arson. The investigation revealed that it was Catzin’s daughter, Isela, 28, who set the blaze that destroyed three houses. She was arrested and charged with five counts of arson on November 21st. Her mother was devastated and could not understand why her daughter would commit such an act. Unofficial reports suggest that Isela was upset with her mother before allegedly setting the structures on fire. Despite the efforts of neighbors, volunteers, and the San Pedro Fire Service, the homes could not be saved.
The San Pedro Lions Club remains committed to serving the community. The island club has planned another barbecue sale for Saturday, December 7th, to raise much-needed funds for the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy male basketball team, which suffered injuries in a severe traffic accident. Some players and staff were badly injured and required assistance with recovery and medical bills. The club again looks forward to the community’s support for this worthy cause.
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