Costa Rica Flood Aid after Nate
Thank you so much for all your help and donations. Together we have raised almost $25,000 and helped hundreds of local families who lost everything in the recent flood. Although the storm might seem like a long time ago for some of us, it is still devastating for many families who continue to struggle to find safe places to sleep, food, clean water and clothes for their families.
The toughest part has just begun. Families need not only food and clothing, they need beds/mattresses, bedding, and in some cases, kitchenettes, fridges and basic supplies. The GoFundMe funds raised will go towards these items.
If you're interested in learning about the communities we've helped so far please take a moment to read the updates provided by myself and Dr. Andrea Messeguer by clicking on the 'UPDATES' tab above. Thanks!
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The story:
Costa Rica was hit hard by Tropical Storm Nate. It's been reported that over 7,000 people were forced from their homes due to massive flooding and mudslides. Many families here in Guanacaste are living in shelters after losing their homes and all their belongings. These families now have little access to basic daily necessities.
Who we are and how we're helping:
My friend Dr. Andrea Messeguer and her wonderful staff at Beachside Clinic in Huacas, Costa Rica, have been spearheading donation collections, delivery and providing medical attention to those in need. Thanks to our wonderful community, the Clinic has already been able to deliver medical supplies, non-perishable foods, clean water, personal hygiene products, baby goods, clothing, blankets, etc. to many of the area communities, but more is still needed.
Dr. Andrea Messeguer is working directly with staff from the Ministry of Health and the CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social), as well as the Santa Cruz emergency commission to provide support and help them channel the necessary resources to where they are most needed.
Dr. Andrea Messeguer and Beachside Clinic are a group of people we trust completely (literally with our lives at times). If you are or have been a part of this community, I am sure you know and feel the same.
How you can help:
Many people have asked how they can help. Because Dr. Andrea Messeguer is out in the community helping all those in need, she asked if I could set up this GoFundMe campaign so monetary donations can easily be made by those near and far. Please make a donation if you can and share this campaign with others so that we can raise as much awareness and funds as possible.
The funds raised:
All funds raised will be given to Dr. Andrea Messeguer at Beachside Clinic and will be used for the immediate need of more medical supplies, including medications, as well as mattresses and other necessities (as mentioned above) for the many people who have lost so much. In full transparency, I will be solely responsible for the initial withdrawal of all funds from GoFundMe. After I receive the funds I will immediately wire transfer every penny directly to Dr. Andrea Messeguer.
Please help us help the wonderful people of Costa Rica.
Thank you,
Amy, Shane and Kendyl Larrabee
Living and loving Costa Rica since 2014
Alternatively, you can contact the Beachside Clinic directly:
Phone: +506 2653-9911
Website: www.beachsidemedicalclinic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beachsideclinic
Flood water carried in so much mud and debris to many homes in Rio Canas - Oct. 11
Residents of Rio Canas line up to fill their water jugs. Clean water is currently not available in their community. Diseases are starting to set in due to the lack of clean drinking water. Oct. 11
All ages are in need of help. In addition to food, hygiene products and clothes, toys and art supplies were provided to help brighten their day. Oct. 11
Many have been sleeping on wet mattresses or directly on the ground. Thanks to a very genreous donor, many now have a dry place to sleep. Oct. 11
This gentleman, who still managed to smile despite what his family is going through, describes how deep the water was in his home. Oct. 11
Delivery of donated supplies to the shelter in the town of Carrillo. Oct. 7
Donation headquarters at Beachside Clinic in Huacas. Members of the community continue to bring in donations, but more is needed. Oct. 7
Dr. Andrea cared for 110 patients in need of medical attention at the Carrillo shelter. Oct. 7
Villareal shelter where 90 people were forced from their homes. Oct. 5