Support Elbow Reef Lightstation, Hope Town, Abaco

Please help the community of Elbow Cay keep its lighthouse lit and repair its hurricane damage.  THIS LIGHTSTATION IS THE LAST OF ITS KIND !

The Elbow Reef Lightstation in Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, is the only manned light station in the world which has not been electrified.  Its lens is hand wound and it is fueled by kerosene.  Now its caretakers, The Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, charged with oversight of the Lightstation for the last decade, has run out of funds due to unprecedented events of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian, the Global pandemic of Covid-19 and beyond.
 


 
There is something unique about a manned lightstation. It is history continuing to be made, carrying forward with it the traditions of its builders and the souls of those who have worked within its walls.  Third generation lightkeeper, Jeffery Forbes, Jr.,  who learned his trade from his father and grandfather will tell you that. The lightstation is so very much more than just a collection of buildings. It is not only his home, it is living history.
 
Hurricane Dorian severely damaged the keeper’s quarters, one of which is Jeffery’s home, as well as the rest of the structures within this historic lightstation (a total of nine outbuildings). The lighttower itself needs repair and all of the outbuildings are not secured for the 2020 hurricane season. Roofing materials must be purchased, shipped and installed immediately. In Jeffery’s home, water has extensively damaged the interior which now needs to be reconstructed so he can move his family home.  Windows, doors  and hurricane shutters also must be made and installed.  Rotary's Disaster Relief Committee and smaller donations have jumpstarted the roofing requirements and although  this amount  does not meet all of our restoration needs we are determined to continue.
 
Your help is needed now more than ever.
 
If you have ever visited Hope Town, you know what a treasure this red and white striped lighthouse is and what a big part of hope, pride and inspiration it is for not only the small quaint settlement that surrounds it but also for the rest of Abaco and The Bahamas.


What a travesty it would be for the entire world  to lose the last non-electrified, kerosene burning lighthouse on the planet.

 Please donate NOW to keep this historic lightstation active. No amount is too small.  Join us and be a part of this historic restoration!