Nicholas' Bahamian Hurricane Relief Fund

The Bahamas'  Death toll is rising as 70,000 residents left homeless by Hurricane Dorian seek food and shelter 

This CNN headline in the news yesterday is how my journey started and is the reason why I am doing this. 
My name is Nicholas Robinson and my Dad and I will be traveling to New Providence island tomorrow in an effort to help some of the victims affected by Hurricane Dorian.  Having generations of extended family living in the Bahamas, I have heard first hand about the destruction and devastation it has left behind,  leaving this small country in a humanitarian crisis.  I decided that I wanted to try to do something about it - now - while the need is greatest.   

Huge efforts are currently underway to move thousands of evacuees from Abaco and Grand Bahama to safety.  Many of the displaced people are arriving daily on New Providence with absolutely nothing but their lives.  Because we have family and friends on the island we have direct access to local people who are setting us up to help out in community centres, shelters, churches, hotel kitchens, schools and wherever else help is needed.  

Our first stop, on our week-long journey, will be to visit the Ranfurly Home For Children, which will be taking in dozens of children under the age of 18 over the next few days.  We have already purchased many of the supplies they are in need of such as blankets, clothing, toiletries, and toys and will be taking these down with us tomorrow.  In the days following,  we will be going to various community centres which are expecting to receive hundreds of people daily.  We will also be working with a nonprofit organization called World Central Kitchen preparing thousands of meals for delivery across the northern Bahamas and to evacuees and first responders on Nassau.  Our goal is to help out in any way we can, both physically and financially to support the local needs of the people during the aftermath of this disaster. 

This is where we need your help and why I have set up this page.  Instead of donating to large charities with considerable overhead and administrative costs, we want to ensure that 100 % of the proceeds from our fundraising efforts go directly to the groups that are making a difference.  Every cent we raise will go towards local organizations in real-time to assist with the immediate needs of the people affected.  I have already received the support of my school which has agreed to run a fundraising drive and to help spread awareness about our initiative.  I plan on expanding this to other Toronto schools and have many friends and family who have offered to help out.  In addition, we are speaking with a few companies to discuss fundraising matching opportunities!

I am super excited about embarking on this adventure and doing my small part in helping out the people of the Bahamas...but I can't do it without your help.  I hope you will consider donating to this very important cause....no amount is too small and 100% of all proceeds will go directly towards helping the thousands of people who have lost their homes as a result of this tragedy.  Please follow our journey on Instagram @bahamianhurricanerelief  where I will be posting daily updates of what the funds raised will be used for, as well as photos and videos of our efforts.  

Thank you so much for your generosity, support and for helping me make a difference to the lives of the Bahamian people.  Together we can make a real impact!

Sincerely, 
Nicholas

For the most recent news on the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian please visit https://thenassauguardian.com/