Sawyer Family & Friends of Abaco Islands, Bahamas
Donation protected
By now many of us are aware of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian to the North Islands of the Bahamas. We’ve seen unfathomable destruction to Marsh Harbour, Dundas Town, Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, Man O War and Guana Cay. Grand Bahama Island and Freeport have experienced unprecedented flooding and both the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama Island are grappling with tragic loss.
There are many questions circulating this catastrophe and the main one is, how can I help?
Currently there are large organizations stationed around the Abacos and Grand Bahama distributing food and water, medical aid, removing debris and rebuilding temporary shelters for those still on the islands. We are very grateful for every single effort thats gone into helping and even saving many of the Bahamian people and for everything being done today.
After the large organizations have done their part with initial response, there will still be a long road ahead for the Abaconians. We’d like help those processing this life changing experience step out of this nightmare into overflowing support from their neighbors in Florida, the United States and anyone around the world who has a special place in their hearts for the beautiful Bahama Islands and their smiling, welcoming, kind hearted people.
I married into the Sawyer family and one thing I’ve learned from my time in Marsh Harbour is that Abaconians live the motto 'it takes a community to help one.' Abaco is a community of people who extend kindness to others, lend a helping hand where needed and invest in each other - they know that happiness comes when we all come together. I hope we can extend the same kindness they live by back to the people of Abaco; the kindness that’s always made the Bahamas such a welcoming and pleasurable place to visit.
As a Floridan, I thought I understood hurricanes and the destruction they can cause. Few have witnessed the aftermath of sustained winds at 185 mph, with gusts into the 220s, or storm surges of 25 ft and higher - even fewer have lived through it. Growing up in a hurricane rich environment connected to land in the United States of America became a glaring privilege as horror stories poured into Brandon's iPhone starting Sunday September 1st around 11:00 am and showing no signs of letting up through the following week. When Brandon flew to Nassau to help with evacuation efforts he saw more destruction, trauma, and heartbreak over two days than he's seen in his lifetime.
The road to recovery for our friends and loved ones from the Northern Islands is going to be long. No donation is too small - as little as one dollar, given by a million people is still a million dollars. Please donate a dollar if you can spare it, and share with anyone you think may want to help. Every effort is appreciated.
Funds will be used to help the Sawyer family, friends and community with temporary living situations, food and whats needed to help rebuild their lives. We plan to begin distribution once we know better what supplies are needed. All funds provided from this campaign will go towards sustainable options for the Sawyers and surrounding community in need.
There are many questions circulating this catastrophe and the main one is, how can I help?
Currently there are large organizations stationed around the Abacos and Grand Bahama distributing food and water, medical aid, removing debris and rebuilding temporary shelters for those still on the islands. We are very grateful for every single effort thats gone into helping and even saving many of the Bahamian people and for everything being done today.
After the large organizations have done their part with initial response, there will still be a long road ahead for the Abaconians. We’d like help those processing this life changing experience step out of this nightmare into overflowing support from their neighbors in Florida, the United States and anyone around the world who has a special place in their hearts for the beautiful Bahama Islands and their smiling, welcoming, kind hearted people.
I married into the Sawyer family and one thing I’ve learned from my time in Marsh Harbour is that Abaconians live the motto 'it takes a community to help one.' Abaco is a community of people who extend kindness to others, lend a helping hand where needed and invest in each other - they know that happiness comes when we all come together. I hope we can extend the same kindness they live by back to the people of Abaco; the kindness that’s always made the Bahamas such a welcoming and pleasurable place to visit.
As a Floridan, I thought I understood hurricanes and the destruction they can cause. Few have witnessed the aftermath of sustained winds at 185 mph, with gusts into the 220s, or storm surges of 25 ft and higher - even fewer have lived through it. Growing up in a hurricane rich environment connected to land in the United States of America became a glaring privilege as horror stories poured into Brandon's iPhone starting Sunday September 1st around 11:00 am and showing no signs of letting up through the following week. When Brandon flew to Nassau to help with evacuation efforts he saw more destruction, trauma, and heartbreak over two days than he's seen in his lifetime.
The road to recovery for our friends and loved ones from the Northern Islands is going to be long. No donation is too small - as little as one dollar, given by a million people is still a million dollars. Please donate a dollar if you can spare it, and share with anyone you think may want to help. Every effort is appreciated.
Funds will be used to help the Sawyer family, friends and community with temporary living situations, food and whats needed to help rebuild their lives. We plan to begin distribution once we know better what supplies are needed. All funds provided from this campaign will go towards sustainable options for the Sawyers and surrounding community in need.
Organizer and beneficiary
Michelle OKeefe-Sawyer
Organizer
Houston, TX
Brandon Sawyer
Beneficiary