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Grand Bahama Family Recovery

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Hi my name is Shelley Martin.  I reside in the state of Georgia and have family members in Grand Bahama who have survived the catastrophic hurricane Dorian which came to the shores on September 1, 2019 and left a devastating trail of horror and destruction.  My three aunts, uncle, and  cousins are all safe and unharmed physically.  The anguish of what the storm has left behind from the king tide and surges has family members seeking ways to survive until help arrives.  Thanks be to God for their protection and safety.  The injuries and fatalities are unknown as the rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing on both Grand Bahama and Abaco islands.

Internationally, the world has witnessed the destruction and displacement of my countrymen by CAT5 hurricane Dorian just a few days ago and we are seeing the great extension of love and support from other nations.    The response for the Abacos has been quite strong in support campaigns.  It has been heart-wrenching to see the images of hopelessness and despair during the storm.  Some survivors walked around helpless, hopeless and traumatized by what they have witnessed.   The live-views of fear and panic from family members and fellow Bahamians, revealed their fear of this traumatic and relentless Dorian.   Waiting for the confirmations to come in one by one and some days later was torture all over again.   All of my dad's siblings reside on Grand Bahama--my three aunts and an uncle and most of their children's families are managing until the government or help arrives.   God answers prayers and we help our neighbors!!! Although, my immediate family members were unharmed physically, there is a long, long road to recovery for Grand Bahama,  Abaco, and The Bahamas.  Thanks be to God for those who were spared on each island.  We are praying for the recovery of the injured and may the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.  It is indeed a very sad time because we've never seen anything like this in all our history.

Any and All donations and supplies will go directly for Grand Bahama relief and recovery efforts.  The funds raised will be used to benefit my family members and neighbors in Grand Bahama.  The goal is to provide needful items--namely generators (since the infrastructure has been compromised) and there is no power.  Water is desperately needed for drinking and washing the body sparingly.  As my aunt relayed, a cowboy wash would be wasteful...only enough to dot the sign of the cross is being exercised.  It is the current state of emergency and rationing on the impacted islands.  There is no power or utilities at present.  In order to flush the the toilets, water has to be picked up from a facility.  Although some stores not as hard hit as others may have supplies, there is no telling of how long this will be available for those in need.   My goal is to use the donations to purchase the needed items for shipment via Florida to Grand Bahama.  Water, generators, and non-perishable food items.

Also, Grand Bahama now is in eminent danger of an oil spill in the East End... we have heard some say it is "oil splatter" but the lids have blown off several of the tanks.  The road to recovery will be arduous for the survivors who will be challenged to return to normal.  I have no idea of how this will play out, but as I learn of updates and needs I will update.

Everything you give is a blessing and sacrifice and I pray that your family will be blessed also because of your generosity.  I have paused multiple times in my attempt to compose this and forgive me if it doesn't flow, but it is very hard because so many lives have been impacted not knowing what tomorrow looks like.  Please practice patience with the protocols that must be adhered to for The Bahamas.  We will rebuild as we continue the rescue and recovery efforts and provide some sort of relief in the process to the people.

SUPPLIES LIST NOT LIMITED TO BELOW:

Generators
Non-perishable food
Air mattresses
Toiletries
Moisturizers
Body wash/soap
Towels
Blankets
Pillows
Cleaning products
Water
Linens
Mosquito and bug spray
Baby wipes
pain pills/aspirin
first aid kits
phone chargers for auto
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Donations 

  • Kimberlie Francis
    • $30
    • 5 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Martin Shelley
Organizer
Marietta, GA

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