The friends of Dr. Maria Woodside Oriakhi, Vice President of Academic Affairs at University of The Bahamas, is organizing this fundraiser for her and her family. On Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 11 am, a fire tore through Maria's home in Nassau, The Bahamas. Prayerfully, Maria and her husband, Raymond Oriakhi Sr. and their son, Raymond Oriakhi Jr. and daughter Anne-Marie Oriakhi, and her sister Claudette Thomas (cared for by Maria) were able to quickly get out without injury. However, despite the prompt response of the fire department, her home and the contents within were a total loss.
Currently, Dr. Oriakhi and her husband, children and sister are displaced and are in need of the most basic of necessities. Dr. Oriakhi is a dedicated educator of over two decades to the University of The Bahamas. She is a leader in the community and globally as a higher education professional. I am asking for us to help our friend and colleague during a traumatic time in their lives. Victims of residential fires can face great emotional distress and Maria has already endured the loss of her own mother scarcely thirty days ago. The Oriakhi family already in grief has now lost their home and possessions, but also their sense of security, comfort, and safety which has disrupted every facet of their normal daily lives.
My hope is that we can help Dr. Oriakhi and her family alleviate some of the stress they are facing as they rebuild. Please donate if you can, any donation helps.