Dear News Editors,
We, an independent group of concerned Cubans as well as people with Cuban ties, have come together to help as many families affected by Sunday’s deadly tornado in Havana City, Cuba.
To do this a garage sale will be held on Saturday, February 9. The people we are focusing on include the elder who have no family assistance, single mothers with no alternative resources and the physically or mentally impaired.
The EF4 tornado ripped through a substantial portion of Havana City for 16 minutes, with wind speeds of up to 62 miles per hour; uprooting trees, tearing down power lines and ripping off hundreds of roofs. The tornado was a part of a larger storm that resulted in flooding in low-lying provinces of Pinar Del Rio, Artemisa, Regla, 10 de Octubre, Guanabacoa and Mayabeque.
Current reports indicate that the deadly twister claimed four lives and injured at least 192; and left hundreds more without shelter. Initial relief efforts have begun, with many people now living in tents and receiving daily rations of food and water.
Due to restrictions imposed by the Cuban Laws, we are sending only cash. Members of the public can help by donating cash the same day of the Garage Sale or by approaching a group member before the event. Due to Cayman Islands banking regulations the use of bank accounts is not permitted for this purpose. Instead of cash, goods can be delivered to Tortuga Warehouse on Redgate Road in Industrial park by contacting Cesar Cruz at 326-4748. The goods received will be resold at the garage sale which will take place at the Tortuga Headquarters in Industrial Park. Unsold items will be donated to the Red Cross. The proceeds raised from this event will be sent to trusted members from the three most affected communities, Regla, 10 de Octubre and Guanabacoa. They will be responsible for gathering information, dispersing the funds to the families in need and documenting how it is spent.
We have seen the power of the Cayman community, and its generosity when it comes to supporting our brothers and sisters afflicted by natural disasters, whether that be here in Cayman or even on the other side of the world. Now more than ever our Cuban brethren need our help, and we are asking you to help us, help them stay strong!
To arrange an interview or for more information, please contact Cesar Cruz at 326-4748, Gema Brett at 922-3884, Mayfran Corbalan at 322-1791, Sully Rodriguez at 929-8425 or Lianet Hydes on WhatsApp at 328-3409. Please, see attached images of the devastation.
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