Hurricane
Ivan Aid People Helping People spearheaded
by
Gail
Jackson of the Negril Tree House
Resort
In
September, Hurricane Ivan traveled
along the
south coast of Jamaica devastating
many parts of the Island. One
of the hardest hit areas was
the coastal communities surrounding
Negril. Homes were partially
or totally destroyed, washed
away by the oceans tidal surge,
flooding from the rain, or
blown down by the wind. Many
a resident lost their roofs
and all their belongings were
drenched with water. After the
storm a common site to be seen
was clothes, beds & bedding,
and other household items laying
in the Caribbean Sun drying
out while residents began the
rebuilding/repairing of their
homes. Businesses, where people
were employed, were affected
by the storm. Many had to temporary
lay off employees until they
were able to get their properties
back in shape.
Through
all the devastation, trials, and tribulations,
the Jamaican spirit remained
high and steadfast. "I give thanks"
was heard often as the reply when
asked, "how one was doing".
The true character of Island 's inhabitants,
"One Love", shown bright.
People banned together, working side
by side aiding their fellow Ivan victims
by housing those made homeless, feeding
those with out food supplies, sharing
humanitarian relief, and displayed
a common objective to rebuild their
homes, communities, and businesses,
and get the Tourism Industry, the
main source of employment in the area,
up and running again. They worked
hard in the Ivan cleanup process.
Many volunteered their time and services
cleaning up the beaches, parks, and
highways. After
walking and photographing the beach
many times since Ivan and driving
the highways, I can proclaim that
their attitude and actions have produced
remarkable results. The Negril area
is ready for this winter's tourist
season.
There
are many stories that can be
told of people helping people. This
Hurricane Ivan Aid photo story
is just one example of the benevolence
and aid that I observed first
hand.
Gail Jackson of the
Negril
Tree House Resort was motivated
to action after Ivan. She decided
to raise funds to aid Ivan's victims
utilizing today's technology the
Internet - E-mail as a prime source
of fundraising. E-mail pleas went
out to friends, business associates,
and previous Negril Tree House
Resort guests from all over. She
promised to walk 100 miles in support
of Ivan Aid and asked individuals
to pledge as little as .25 cents
per mile. She finished the walk
around the first week in November,
and decided to keep walking. She
posted Hurricane Ivan Aid on the
Negril.com
Message Board, made
personal phone calls, and made
know her efforts at every opportunity
possible. Her actions and attitude
motivated many to come to the aid
of Ivan victims and she was able
to raise over $6,000.00 US. With
the funds, she purchased $5,000
{$83.33 US}Jamaica gift certificates
at local hardware stores, and bought
truck loads of beds. As a result
of efforts by Gail and many others,
Hurricane Ivan Aid donations have
brought aid to over 120 Hurricane
Ivan Victims, so far.
While raising Hurricane Ivan
Aid funds, Gail, the Negril Tree
House staff, Negril Police Officers,
and other volunteers, went
out looking to identify Ivan victims,
interviewed those in need, and
selected many that could be helped.
Gail with the Negril Tree House
Resort Staff hosted three Hurricane
Ivan Aid presentations to Ivan
victims. The first presentation
was on October 17th. People learning
of the first Ivan aid presentation
donated funds and services so that
it was possible to have two more
presentations of Ivan aid on October
31st, and November 20th. During the
presentations, hotel guests at check-out,
and individuals attending donated
to the cause. There was a great spirit
of charity and love display by all.
Refreshments were provided. Donated
items of clothing, etc. were placed
upon tables where Ivan victims could
select from them. The Venezuelan
Military volunteered transportation
services and gift food bags. They
came prepared with a large military
truck and a crew cab truck to transport
recipients of the mattresses and
the two goats back to their homes.
Home deliveries were made to the
communities of Silver Springs, Little
London, Ketto, Springfield, and
Brighton. Stops were made to areas
of Negril - Whitehall, Red Ground,
Nonpariel Road, and the West End.
The two goats seemed quite safe
and content amongst the mattresses,
people, and gift food bags in the
back of the large military truck.
I believe it took at least three
trips to complete their mission
after the third Ivan Aid presentation.
Many thanks, and great appreciation
are due the Venezuelan military
for their help with Hurricane Ivan
Aid. By the way, if you did not
already know, the Venezuelan military
is bivouacked next to the Negril
Community Center while they rebuild
homes, roofs, and roads damaged
by Hurricane Ivan. They are scheduled
to be in the Negril area for the
next 6 months.
Well, what now? Gail mentioned,
during the last aid presentation,
that her see-through plastic bag
was empty of funds. All donations
have been spent. However, she
is still committed to continue
the Hurricane Ivan Aid Fund Raising
effort. There are still many Hurricane
Ivan victims that have been identified
that could use aid. She hopes
that new individuals learning
of Hurricane Ivan Aid will once
again fill up her plastic bag and
allow her to reach out with aid
to those still in need.
For
more information about how you
can also aid Hurricane Ivan
victims,
please contact Gail Jackson at negriltreehouse@aol.com .
Please
follow the Photo Links below to
visualize Hurricane Ivan Aid People
Helping People in Action.
Hurricane
Ivan Aid Photos
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October
30, 2004 Hurricane Ivan Aid
Presentation
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November
20, 2004 Hurricane Ivan Aid
Presentation
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