Hurricane Relief trip to PR
Donation protected
We are all glad this crazy 2017 hurricane season is finally over! (All of us meteorologists are glad it's over too!) However, it is important to remember there are still so many people suffering from the aftermath of the storms. Which is why I’ve decided to participate in a mission trip next year to provide aid for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devasted the island in September.
How is Puerto Rico doing now?
Although the storm was over 2 months ago, around half of the island is without power still and nearly 20% of the population still does not have clean drinking water. Please let that sink in. All my friends and family that had to deal with Harvey and Irma in TX and FL - can you imagine months later still not having power, phone signal, or access to clean water and food? Now, remember that Puerto Rico is part of the United States. How would we feel if things were in such a bad state in Texas or Florida nearly 2 months later?
FEMA is doing its best to reach residents in cutoff areas of the island but washed out roads, downed cell towers, and no internet access is making it extremely difficult for the exchange of information to take place. Many people are trying to apply for aid, but are unable without working phones, internet, or roads to even allow for snail mail.
There is still a LONG way to go, and SO much we can do to help!
So Now What?
This year instead of Christmas or birthday gifts, I’m asking that you help send me on a volunteer trip to help the people of Puerto Rico. The trip will be organized with a wonderful non-profit called 109 World that I have been following for several years. They have done some amazing work including setting up an animal shelter in Aruba, advocating for abused women in Congo, bringing safe water to areas in need in Nicaragua, and aiding in Ecuador after the April earthquake, as just a few examples. Now they are focusing on a project in Spring of 2018 to help Puerto Rico after the devastating consequences of Hurricane Maria. Check out more about 109 World and the PR trip here: https://109world.com/experience/puertorico2018/
Donations:
The cost of the trip will be around $3,000 USD. I’m hoping to raise most of the money through: donations in lieu of Christmas or birthday gifts, hosting donation-based yoga classes, and pledges per mile as I run a half marathon in 2018. Anything I raise above and beyond the cost of the trip will get donated directly to the cause! Stay tuned here for updates on my fundraising efforts!
*Special things!*
- Everyone who donates $20 or more will receive a handwritten thank you note from yours truly. (consider donating $27 for my 27th birthday!)
- And as a special thank you for those donating $100 or more, you will receive a special gift from me- your choice of: a yoga session (location dependent), a custom made music playlist tailored to your taste (think workout, yoga, or dancing!) or a small care package box filled with goodies.
With that, I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has read this story, donated, or inspired me in some way to give back. I have such a wonderful support system of family and friends, and I could not do this without each and every one of you - so THANK YOU!
Don't forget to share this page with your friends!!
xo, Chelsea
How is Puerto Rico doing now?
Although the storm was over 2 months ago, around half of the island is without power still and nearly 20% of the population still does not have clean drinking water. Please let that sink in. All my friends and family that had to deal with Harvey and Irma in TX and FL - can you imagine months later still not having power, phone signal, or access to clean water and food? Now, remember that Puerto Rico is part of the United States. How would we feel if things were in such a bad state in Texas or Florida nearly 2 months later?
FEMA is doing its best to reach residents in cutoff areas of the island but washed out roads, downed cell towers, and no internet access is making it extremely difficult for the exchange of information to take place. Many people are trying to apply for aid, but are unable without working phones, internet, or roads to even allow for snail mail.
There is still a LONG way to go, and SO much we can do to help!
So Now What?
This year instead of Christmas or birthday gifts, I’m asking that you help send me on a volunteer trip to help the people of Puerto Rico. The trip will be organized with a wonderful non-profit called 109 World that I have been following for several years. They have done some amazing work including setting up an animal shelter in Aruba, advocating for abused women in Congo, bringing safe water to areas in need in Nicaragua, and aiding in Ecuador after the April earthquake, as just a few examples. Now they are focusing on a project in Spring of 2018 to help Puerto Rico after the devastating consequences of Hurricane Maria. Check out more about 109 World and the PR trip here: https://109world.com/experience/puertorico2018/
Donations:
The cost of the trip will be around $3,000 USD. I’m hoping to raise most of the money through: donations in lieu of Christmas or birthday gifts, hosting donation-based yoga classes, and pledges per mile as I run a half marathon in 2018. Anything I raise above and beyond the cost of the trip will get donated directly to the cause! Stay tuned here for updates on my fundraising efforts!
*Special things!*
- Everyone who donates $20 or more will receive a handwritten thank you note from yours truly. (consider donating $27 for my 27th birthday!)
- And as a special thank you for those donating $100 or more, you will receive a special gift from me- your choice of: a yoga session (location dependent), a custom made music playlist tailored to your taste (think workout, yoga, or dancing!) or a small care package box filled with goodies.
With that, I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has read this story, donated, or inspired me in some way to give back. I have such a wonderful support system of family and friends, and I could not do this without each and every one of you - so THANK YOU!
Don't forget to share this page with your friends!!
xo, Chelsea
Organizer
Chelsea Carlson
Organizer
Nashua, NH
