As Southern Florida braces for the arrival of Hurricane Irma, the Caribbean Islands are recovering from the powerful and violent storm that demolished cities and took the lives of 23 people this week.
After seeing images of the aftermath in Saint Martin, one Sudbury couple has taken it upon themselves to help the community of Maho Beach and its residents — people, Leanne Lavoie said they consider family.
"I felt such a strong need to help them," Lavoie told Sudbury.com today.
"We have been blessed to have the means to visit the island frequently. If you have ever gone, you know how warm, friendly and hard-working the citizens of the island are. They welcome us like family."
Leanne and her husband, Gary, are trying to recruit medical volunteers and skilled tradespeople for a mission trip to help with the cleanup in Maho, which is located on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin.
The couple has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for shipping much-needed supplies to the island.
A few volunteers have already signed up to make the trip and the Lavoie is working on accommodations for volunteers and transportation on the island.
"Dr. Paul Fredette, a friend and lifelong visitor to the island was the first one to say, 'I'll go'."
Lavoie said volunteers will be donating their time and money to purchase their own flights, unless she is able to get seats donated. But no dates have been set.
"The airport is not operable, and the streets are mostly impassable," Lavoie said.
"I have clients (Lavoie is a travel agent) who will be sailing to the Sint Maarten port in the next few months [and they] have offered to bring and leave suitcases with supplies on the island for distribution to those in need. We'll be confirming drop-off locations near the port for that."
Lavoie is aware many Americans could also use help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
"I am not ignorant of their plight, however, they have a strong people and a strong government with the means and funds to restore what was lost.
"We know that we must help. The island isn't just a destination for many of us; it's a second home."
The Lavoies are welcoming donations of:
- Daily hygiene products (feminine pads, diapers, wipes, soap, etc.)
- Baby formula
- Tools
- Medical supplies
To arrange for pick-up or to learn how you can become a volunteer in Mission Maho, contact Gary Lavoie at 705-918-3772 or by email at [email protected].
If you'd like to make a monetary donation, click here to visit the GoFundMe campaign.
