Barbados' Fishing Community & St. Vincent & The Grenadines

My name is Vania "Vayne" Thompson, and in 2021 I founded The Mabel John Foundation. The charity was birthed out of help needed for St. Vincent & The Grenadines after the eruption of La Soufriere that same year. With the help of many, we were able to raise over $10,000.00 USD in addition to shipping over 8 pallets filled with essential items.

In light of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Beryl, I’ve decided to reactivate the initiative. Although we want to assist all those effected, we will concentrate our efforts in supporting the fishing community of Barbados, as well as the devastated Grenadine islands of St. Vincent; Union Island, Mayreau, and Canouan.

The needed items will then be purchased in St. Vincent & The Grenadines in an effort to also support the local economy. The foundation chooses the hands-on approach to ensure that the relief is going directly to persons who need it the most. We will make the trip to St. Vincent & The Grenadines and document the experience to help make the process as transparent as possible. We do not believe in having the images of the evacuees/victims on display, but you will see the items purchased as well as the volunteers at work.

We're also having a live entertainment fundraising event in Barbados Tuesday, July 23rd at Hi-Gate Bar Garden in St. George.

A special thank you the sponsors already on board: Mount Gay Rum Distilleries, Caribstar Radio, The Event Hub, Live Wire Entertainment, South Central Entertainment, Pyramid Entertainment, and The Parris Agency.

Thank you all so much in advance. Together we will strive to make a positive impact on as many lives as we possibly can.