Support Recovery from Hurricane Irma in St. Martin
Donate to support rebuild and recovery efforts following the devastation of the island of St. Martin by Hurricane Irma
Auckland
On September 6th Hurricane Irma, one of the most ferocious hurricanes ever recorded, raged through the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean leaving a trail of destruction in it's wake. The once-beautiful island of Saint Martin was left in ruins.
St. Martin is an island slightly smaller than Waiheke and is the world's smallest inhabited island divided between two nations (France & the Netherlands). Though small, it is densely populated with approximately 80,000 residents, a great many of whom have now lost their homes and livelihoods. Approximately 95% of the island has been destroyed and in a place reliant on tourism, recovery could take many years.
The following videos show a small portion of the damage:
https://www.facebook.com/La1ere/videos/1554526047903717/
https://www.facebook.com/nytimes/videos/1912693738948139/
Many of you who know us have generously reached out to inquire about how best to assist the island community during this desperate time. The scale of damage is so great and communication with some parts of the island still so limited that it has been difficult to determine where financial need will be greatest over the coming weeks and months. However we do know for certain that residents will need shelter, work and emotional/psychological support.
Donations go directly to individuals to be put towards:
Elizabeth Wilson's involvement (page creator)
My fiancée Warren Choisy was born and grew up on St. Martin, while I have visited myself twice & spent several months there. We have many, many family and friends on the island who have ALL been significantly affected by the damage caused by Irma. The "lucky" ones such as Warren's parents and sister escaped with severe damage to their roof and property, whilst many others have lost their homes, or livelihoods entirely.
Being so far away and unable to offer practical help and support, we have felt helpless. Therefore I have decided to raise funds to contribute towards the long road ahead of rebuild, repair and recovery.
Use of funds
Roof/building repairs to provide shelter and allow residents to safely return to their homes/ businesses.
Trauma support e.g. PTSD counseling
Financial aid for families left with loss of income due to damage to businesses and impact on the tourism.
Community recovery initiatives.
We will work closely with family & friends to determine who is most in need in the wider community and will distribute funds on a case by case basis. All transactions will be announced on our "updates" page.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.