Ambon M6.5 Earthquake Sept 2019 assistance

Barb Makohin is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Kaj Maney.

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On the 26th September at 8.46am, there was a very strong earthquake which affect Ambon Island, in the Maluku Archipelago in Indonesia. There have been strong aftershocks since then.

We have lived here since 2013, when we setup a Dive Centre. We wanted to ensure we supported the local communities here and have hired and trained 95% of our staff from Ambon and the local islands. Many of our staff have been here since we opened.

We have seen our staff grow, learn English, get married, builds homes, have children and support their families But it is still a very poor area. Each member of out staff supports around 10 extended family members.

The earthquake has either partially or completely destroyed several of our staff’s houses. After the quake many people have run to the hills, as they are terrified of tsunamis, and some staff when they returned to theirs houses found looters had come and taken all their belongings and savings.

We are already giving them money to help buy materials and food, but more is needed and quickly. This will help to immediately rebuild and keep their extended families safe. All money will go directly to the staff and their families who have been affected. Any extra will go directly to the local communities to help rebuild out-houses, schools and other facilities.

Our staff are all wonderful people, friendly, kind and always willing to help. Any financial help would be gratefully accepted.