The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has made an appeal for members to begin collecting donations to aid islands devastated by Hurricane Irma.
SVP President Rudolph Boneo has written to the Society’s conferences (parish groups) alerting that the “first effort must target immediate and personal needs of those affected” by the hurricane. He attempted to make contact with SVP in each island because they were in the best position to say what is needed in the short, medium and long term.
The SVP President has received responses from Antigua and Anguilla. Antigua SVP reported the island was “okay all things considered” but Barbuda was totally destroyed. “The relocation of the Barbuda population to Antigua is anticipated to bring about quite a bit of stress on social and other services and resources. Anguilla [SVP] President has informed me that her house has been destroyed. The island remains closed. The damage has been significant. There is definitely a need for us to reach out and assist people,” Boneo stated.
Initial emphasis will be on “lightweight items” and things for the aged. Some of the items requested first are: towels, wash rags, toothpaste/toothbrushes, soaps, deodorant, toilet paper, shampoo, sanitary napkins, hair grease, combs, plasters, Vicks vapor rub, Panadol, adult diapers, and non-prescription pharmaceutical medicines.
Boneo also emailed the outgoing and incoming SVP Vice President America regarding any anticipated response from the United States conference to the Caribbean plight. – LPG