Hope after Hurricane Beryl: Support Our Island Sisters

Apey Bloom is organizing this fundraiser.

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My mother always said, “You can’t save the world, but you can save one.” Today, I am reaching out to you to help save three lives.

My name is April Rosenbloom. Many of you already know me, but for those who do not, I spend several months every year on the beautiful island of Nevis (St. Kitts and Nevis) in the Caribbean.

Hurricane Beryl has left a trail of devastation in the beautiful Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean Sea. This is south of Nevis. On July 1st, this Category 4 hurricane slammed into St. Vincent and the Grenadines, causing widespread destruction across St. Vincent, Bequia, Union Island, Cariacou, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, and Petite Martinique.

Amidst this tragedy, I am writing to ask for your support for three dear friends; these three remarkable women and their families have lost nearly everything. These are not just names; they are people I know personally, women who have shown incredible strength and kindness. Now, they need our help.

Ruthlin Robinson, a dedicated farmer in St. Vincent, has lost her entire farm and the roof over her house. Ruthlin’s life was already one of modest means, but now she faces an uphill battle to rebuild her livelihood and provide for her daughters, Adeshia and Asheida. The cover photo shows me with Ruthlin and one of her daughters a few years ago, a testament to the bond we share.

Rania Sassine, the owner of Tito’s Concierge and a pillar of the Canouan community, was a lifeline for me during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She arranged for my essential medicines to be flown in, demonstrating her unwavering support. Rania has also been a tremendous support to the company I work for over the years, always going above and beyond to assist. Today, Rania needs us to rally around her, just as she has done for so many others. Adding to Rania's burdens, her son is terrified of another hurricane, living in constant fear.

She is also aiding Jillian Alexander, another Caribbean sister and Canouan resident whose house has been destroyed (see video) and has been left with nothing and must start from scratch. Jillian has a husband and a 12-year-old son who are also struggling to cope with their losses.

Your donation, no matter the size, can make a world of difference. It will help these women rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy. They can fix their roofs, homes and use these funds to feed their families until they can get on their feet again. If you know me, you know that every penny will go directly to these incredible women, ensuring they receive the support they desperately need.

We may not be able to save the world, but together, we can save these three women and their families.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your generosity and compassion.

Below are photos of Canouan, Rania and her son, and damage to their home and business. Also Ruthlin’s farm before and after the storm. Photos of the vegetables that Ruthlin was grown and selling to local restaurants and residents. Photos of Jilllian in her house with her son at Christmastime and her home after the hurricane turned their lives upside down. These are all the photos I could get as the internet and power in these islands is scarce. Hopefully i can upload more soon. ❤️

JILLIAN’S HOUSE AFTER BERYL: