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| Before (left) and after (right) |
There are two major ways to help
the Bahamas recover from the unprecedented devastation from monster hurricane
Dorian. First,
donate money, goods or time right now to the organizations you’ll find at the end of this post.
Then, as hard as it may be to conceptualize right now, plan to
travel to one of the many Bahamian islands that remain unscathed by the hurricane.
The Bahamian economy revolves around tourism, and the island-nation needs funds generated by travelers to continue recovery.
Yes,
hotels in the Abacos and Grand Bahama Island are closed now, but that
comprises less than 15% of the country’s hotel inventory. The
southeastern and central Bahamas were far less affected by the
hurricane, and hotels and resorts in the capital of Nassau and in
neighboring Paradise Island remain open, as do those in the majority of
Bahamas 700-plus islands and cays.
These
include Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Andros, The Exumas, Cat Island,
San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins/Crooked Island, Ragged
Island, Mayaguana and Inagua.
If you had made previous travel
plans to go to any of these islands, check ahead and keep them, if
possible. And if you don’t yet have plans, consider making them.
Donating to established groups is the immediate way to help, and
giving money is the most effective support. Here are some links:
– Am
erican Red Cross is online.
–
The Salvation Army is accepting money.
–
Project Hope, an international health-care organization, is accepting donations.
–
Americares sends aid and medicine.
–
Habitat for Humanity will be helping rebuild houses.
–
Team Rubicon is a veteran support organization, staging resources and support.
–
World Central Kitchen teams are providing food on Grand Bahama and the Abacos. Chef José Andrés’ organization is once again helping the hungry.
Read more: Two Ways To Help The Bahamas Hurricane Recovery: Donate, Then Plan To Travel There
