Send Andrejs to Volunteer for Hurricane Relief -PR

Hello friends, family and good souls out there. As you know, Puerto Rico was struck in 2017 by Hurricane Maria. The category 5 storm made direct landfall on the island and devastated all aspects of Puerto Rico's infrastructure and affected the lives of its people in ways far beyond what any one person can deal with alone. I have created this campaign because I have been accepted to volunteer with an amazing organization called All Hands and Hearts to help rebuild homes, schools, churches, playgrounds and soccer fields  in communities that were hit hardest. All Hands and Hearts has received the highest rating possible by Charity Navigator for transparency and effectiveness. The organization provides meals and communal style/barrack living arrangements while on worksites but it does not cover any other expenses.  Travel to and from San Juan, travel to and from the base, clothes, boots, vaccinations and everything else a journey like this requires must all be covered by the volunteers themselves.

While I do feel very fortunate for this opportunity to help those in need, doing it alone is simply beyond my budget or capabilities. In addition to  what will be required to volunteer, it will cost me a substantial sum out of pocket to shut down my business while i'm there and cover my expenses back home during that period and I expect my meager savings to be rapidly depleted.I have been accepted to volunteer from November 10th to December 7th with the option to continue if I choose. The base is located an hour and a half drive southeast of San Juan in the town of Martorell in the region of Yabucoa where both hurricanes Irma and Maria first made landfall.

I want to make it clear that this is no vacation. I urge all to visit their website. It specifically states that this is HARD, DIFFICULT, DIRTY, UNGLAMOROUS WORK and to expect any clothes you bring to be completely destroyed. While I am truly excited for the chance to help change peoples lives for the better I am also fully aware of how this opportunity will change me as well. Anyone who knows me can attest that meaningful service and volunteering are very important to me and that I never shy away from hard work. In fact I thrive on it! I am asking for donations to make this dream come true. I will be starting an Instagram page before I go and I will send pictures of the good work that the team is doing. Anything helps, even your warm wishes and blessings.