Turning a Vacation into a Mission: How Hurricane Beryl Inspired Community Support and Resilience

We would like to share a story submitted by Daniel Clarke, Manager, Risk & Compliance, FirstService Corporation. At the end of this article, we have a list of organizations providing support for those impacted by Hurricane Beryl in case you wish to help.

Earlier this summer, the Caribbean got hit with Hurricane Beryl, the earliest category 5 hurricane in history. Here in Eastern Canada, we saw the remains of it mid-July with thunderstorms, however, in the Caribbean, Beryl had a devastating impact.

Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, my family and I had planned a trip back to the motherland earlier this year to visit family and friends in July. Initially planned as a typical relaxing tropical vacation, our plans changed a bit. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly on the smaller islands was greatly impacted by the hurricane, as it ripped off roofs, crumbled homes, and stripped trees of leaves. Many people, including family members, were displaced and found refuge in public hurricane shelters.

The hurricane dissipated on July 11, and we arrived on the island on July 14. Instead of packing typical vacation wear, our family packed clothes, food and other resources to help some of our family, friends and their communities in the process of getting back to normal. Admittedly, not everything could make it through airport security, and so we utilized freight shipping to send a barrel of other resources in advance – clothes, electronics, snacks, and other necessities.

Only two years prior, the volcano on the island had erupted – when it rains it pours… literally. Despite all the destruction, the spirits of the residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains so high to this day. It was an inspiration to see all of the communities working together to help each other, and all of the initiatives around the world to help in funding the relief to the Caribbean.

Reflecting on our experience, it was a reminder of how crucial it is for communities to come together in times of need, just as we did in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. FirstService’s commitment to restoration and community support, here in North America, echoes the same spirit of resilience and service that we witnessed in the Caribbean. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire our team members to continue their incredible work and remind them that, whether near or far, our collective efforts can make a lasting impact. I’m proud to be part of a company that not only restores physical structures but also uplifts communities through our shared dedication to service.

We welcome Daniel to the team and thank him for sharing his story with us.

Below we have compiled a list of organizations that have been involved in providing support and aid to the Caribbean in the wake of such storms. These organizations have a strong presence in the Caribbean and are known for their transparency and effectiveness in providing disaster relief and recovery support.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA):

CDEMA is a regional inter-governmental agency that coordinates disaster response and provides support to affected countries. They play a key role in mobilizing resources and coordinating relief efforts during hurricanes.

https://www.cdema.org/

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):

The IFRC and local Red Cross societies in the Caribbean provide emergency relief, including food, shelter, and medical assistance, following hurricanes and other disasters.

Ifrc.org

UNICEF Caribbean:

UNICEF focuses on protecting children and supporting communities impacted by hurricanes. Their efforts include providing clean water, safe spaces for children, and educational support in the aftermath of storms like Beryl.

https://www.unicef.org/easterncaribbean/

World Central Kitchen (WCK):

Founded by chef José Andrés, WCK provides fresh meals to communities affected by disasters. They have been active in the Caribbean, delivering food to those in need after hurricanes and other crises.

https://wck.org/

GlobalGiving:

This crowdfunding platform connects donors with grassroots projects, including disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean. After hurricanes, they often host campaigns to raise funds for local recovery initiatives.

https://www.globalgiving.org/

Food For The Poor:

This Christian nonprofit provides aid to the Caribbean and Latin America, including emergency relief after hurricanes. They supply food, medicine, and housing assistance to those in need.

https://foodforthepoor.org/

These organizations have a strong presence in the Caribbean and are known for their transparency and effectiveness in providing disaster relief and recovery support.

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