Help for Punta Cana During Covid19 Crisis

Almost 1 Million Canadians visit the Dominican Republic every year, most of them to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana.  Although the call of warm tropical beaches is what brings Canadians to the DR shores, the welcoming smiles of the local people and vibrant culture are never forgotten!   The Punta Cana region is facing an unprecedented crisis due to COVID19.  With tourism virtually grinding to a halt and the temporary closure of all resorts,  this has placed unimaginable economic strain on the community.  The poorest and most vulnerable sectors of the Bavaro -Veron-Punta Cana Municipality have been dramatically affected.  We are now asking Canadians to open their hearts and make a real difference in this region, so that once the world overcomes this health crisis the community of Punta Cana can once again open its arms to visitors. Amigos Solidarios RD, began their community volunteer work with the dream that all residents of the region in vulnerable situations have the opportunity to live out their lives in dignity in all facets: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. As  a small group of friends that have been working together for years on projects to aid the poorest members of their community,  they are now working hard to prepare grocery kits for families during this crisis.  These kits are put together by non-perishable donations made at local collection points and by monetary donations locally and internationally.   The grocery kits are put together with the aim of feeding a family of 4 for 1 week. Your donation will go directly to the purchase of food, and basic hygiene products for families.  Grocery kits are prepared by volunteers and delivered weekly by the founders of this organization (Mumy, Rayma, Seba, Alix, Devo and Pame).  By asking recipients to register with some basic information, focus is being placed on those that do not have an income, single moms, pregnant women, those with small children, the elderly, those that are sick or disabled, and those that are unable to receive government assistance.   The typical grocery kit includes: 2 L of Milk 2 cans of Tuna 2 cans of Sardines 2 cans of Tomato Sauce 1 can of Pigeon Peas 1 can of Corn 1 bottle of Olive Oil 2 lb of dried beans 5 lb of Rice 2 packages of Pasta 1 small Salami 1 lb of Wheat Flour 1 lb of Corn Flour 6 Plantains 12 Eggs 6 Broth Cubes 1 package of Cookies/Crackers 1 small Chocolate Cleaning/Hygeine Kit:   1 bottle of Bleach 1 Laundry Detergent 1 Bar of Soap 2 Rolls of Toilet Paper Each Kit has an approximate cost of $35.00 to purchase and deliver. The volunteers are also working really hard to receive personalized information from the families they are assisting in order to provide those that are in need with other essential items such as baby formula, diapers, etc. My name is Daniela, and as Canadian now living in Canada after more than a decade working with North American tourists in Punta Cana, I can assure you that the community awaits your visit with open arms.  In the meantime any contribution you can make to this great cause and the work of Amigos Solidarios, RD will have an immediate effect on the well being of hundreds in the community who economically are unable to cope with these difficult times. Your donations will be transferred directly to Amigos Solidarios, RD whom provide me with weekly purchase receipts from grocery stores and warehouses, and detailed accounting of funds.   You can also find additional details/updates on their facebook page. This group has no political or government affiliations, are all professional living and working in Punta Cana of multiple nationalities, and are committed to make a difference at a grassroots level in their own community.  YOUR DONATION DURING YOUR OWN TIME OF UNCERTAINTY MEANS THE WORLD TO US!