Help Bernie from Vela Margarita

Bernie from Vela needs emergency help. Having gone every year from 1996 to 2006 year period to Vela Margie, Bernie and I fast became good friends, corresponding regularly over the last 10 years.

As most of you know, Venezuela is going through civil war. Food and medicine are scarce. Annual inflation is running  700-800%. Robberies and murder is commonplace. Tourism is dead.

Over the past few years, Bernie has been trying to survive by teaching English, but demand evaporated years ago. He also has a heart and intestinal condition that requires regular treatmet. I have been sending him a couple hundred dollars every few months, but now he needs additional help.

Bernie's father was born in Spain, making Bernie a Spanish citizen as well. He has filed all the necessary paperwork with the Spanish Embassy in Caracas to live and start over in Spain. After 2 months of his arrival, he will be covered by Spain's public healthcare and unemployment systems. The only catch is that he has to register in Spain within the next 10 days.

Bernie made it safely to Bogota, Colombia a few days ago with $30 to his name and a suitcase with some clothes. I estimate that he will need about $700 to cover his flight (stand-by) to Spain and about $400 per month for food, lodging, and medicine for 2 months -- bringing the grand total to $1500. 

Any amount you can contribute would be helpful. Bernie will be eternally grateful.

Sincere Thanks,
Prescott

Photo of Bernie and two of his grandchildren, taken December 21, 2016.