Over Labor Day weekend, Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas and left an immeasurable amount of damage. Severe winds and devastating rains have left many of the local homes and businesses totaled. Hurricane Dorian is the strongest hurricane to ever cross paths with The Bahamas. It is a natural disaster unlike anything else the areas have ever encountered. To make matters worse, once the hurricane approached land, it slowed down to just one mile per hour, leaving residents exposed to the treacherous conditions for an incredible length of time. Due to the level of damage, relief efforts are still going strong.
Hurricane Dorian had an impact on the lives of nearly 76,000 people, and out of that group, 15,000 were impacted so severely that they are in need of humanitarian aid. In addition to humans, thousands of animals have suffered in the wake of Dorian. Many beloved pets and farm animals have been displaced, with volunteers working tirelessly to reconnect the animals to their owners.
Relief efforts in the wake of Dorian have been slow-moving due to the damage done to major infrastructures and transportation pathways, but volunteers are giving it their all and making steady progress as things slowly begin to improve. Many neighborhoods will require large scale reconstruction efforts, and the road to recovery is going to be a long one.
Donations
A Paradise Rentals has played an active role in Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. We encouraged people to donate at both of our office locations, and as a result of the collection efforts, we were able to fill up three entire truckloads of supplies. We’ve then had the supplies sent to a relief effort donation drop off point, where the relief supplies were taken to the Bahamas by boat and plane.
Once again, our community has shown an outpouring of support!
We collected donations through September 30th, but there are still active donation opportunities throughout the island that are within close proximity to our Anna Maria Island beach rentals and Holmes Beach rentals.
If you are thinking of donating to help those affected by Dorian, you will want to avoid cases of water and other heavy items like clothing. This goes for relief efforts that you may wish to donate to in the future as well. These items weigh quite a bit and can reduce the amount of room left for immediately necessary supplies.
Some great choices for donations include:
- Non-perishable food items
- Toiletries
- Infant care supplies
- Flashlights
- Cots
- Blankets
- Small generators
However, it is important to note that at this point, much of the work to be done is in rebuilding and repairing homes, roadways, and businesses. With that information in mind, it’s clear to see why, at this point in time, a monetary donation would also serve to have a powerful impact. Of course, every little bit helps, so even if you are making a simple donation of food or medical supplies, it will go a long way with assisting the community in its recovery.
There are many trusted relief efforts and charities that will put your donations to good use. If you have spare time and have the skills needed to assist with repairs, there are also a variety of volunteer opportunities that you may wish to look into.
Plan Your Vacation
At A Paradise Rentals, we’re about more than just vacation homes. We’re about giving back to the community, and we routinely involve our business in charitable efforts. When you rent one of our Anna Maria Island rentals or Club Bamboo South listings, you can trust that you are investing in a company that truly cares.
Did you know that we’re also the go-to company for Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals? When you book with us, your furry friends can come along for the beach fun, too!
To learn more about our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, take a look at our website. Thank you for your continued support in the Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.
