HURRICANE BERYL - URGENT CALL FOR FUNDING

TO BENEFIT CARRIACOU KIDS & YOUNG FAMILIES

Monday, July 1st, 2024, CAT 4/5 Hurricane Beryl decimated Carriacou, Grenada, the most precious place I know. Carriacou and the surrounding islands of the Grenadines are all but flattened. This unique island and these incredible people currently have very little access to resources that will restore their way of life. They need everything - right now!

This community is optimistic that they will rise again, and rebuilding efforts have already begun. But it will take time, and assistance from the wider diaspora. Please consider donating to this relief effort in whatever way you can.

UPDATES from Carriacou – 2 weeks after:

The outpouring of love, supplies, food, water, and clothing has been tremendous! Here are just a few reasons why:

• Main roads have been mostly cleared and debris is being sorted and disposed of.

• Digicel & Flow have set up some communication towers, and families are beginning to reconnect by WhatsApp regularly.

• Grenlec has begun to restore the power grid, to Hillsborough & other central areas.

• Some banks have resumed limited open hours and there are 2 ATMs in operation.

• Aid distribution locations are more prevalent, and medical clinics have opened in a few areas on the island.

• Psychological services and counseling centers are open to anyone who needs them.

• Shelters are in place in 6 locations with children and families getting well-needed care and services while they wait for more permanent housing options.

• Volunteers with skills in building and repair have been coming to the island from abroad and within the Cruising community.

However, the island is a very bleak place right now and will take years to rebuild. 98% of all homes are without roofs or are structurally unsound. Windows & walls are gone, and it is hot & buggy. There are no gardens with fresh produce, no vegetation for shade, and no fruit trees for vitamin C & antioxidants. No fishing due to debris and runoff from the island, and very few boats in seaworthy condition.

We have already sent down supplies and are involved in the clean-up efforts on the island. But imagine how challenging it is to keep young children safe, entertained, fed, and healthy during this time.

We need to do more, and we need your help to do it!

At this time the following supplies will be gathered with Camp Kayak GoFundMe funds:

Headlamps

Batteries

Bedding & Towels

Medical/first aid kits

Diapers and sanitary supplies

Infant formula/baby food

One-a-day Vitamins

Protein powder/snack bars

Vitamin C supplement drink powders

Bug spray/Mosquito coils

Coloring Books

Fiction Books

Art supplies

Playing Cards & games

This GoFundMe is specifically to aid young families and the children of Carriacou with necessities to get them through this hardest of times. Our core value is to support young families and the island youth with what they need to start over.

We understand that there are many fundraisers to choose from – if you have questions on the best steps to take before donating, please visit: Doyle Guides

Thank you very much in advance for your generous contribution,

Victoria Armentrout

Director

Camp Kayak – creative arts project

Camp Kayak - Facebook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_tLZdEi3Ic

Rina Mills, Explore Carriacou and Petite Martinique - raw footage:

https://fb.watch/t9mWqtKCuO/

*Our organization Camp Kayak - Creative Arts Project, had the privilege to run a children's summer camp on the island for more than 4 years (2010 - 2014), hosting an entire generation of Carriacou and Petite Martinique children (500+ kids).

Victoria Armentrout has lived in Carriacou & Connecticut for the past 20 yrs, and is a Grenada citizen. This island and it’s people mean the world to her and the extended Camp Kayak community.