Major repairs have been completed and the school was ready to accommodate it’s students at the start of the 2019 September term.
This feat was accomplished to a large extent, by the financial donations made to Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Fund by you, the Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and our friends. Just as important, was the logistical support provided by the management and staff of Sea Jamaica Shipping Limited, Air Canada, Sunwing Airlines, and Home Depot (Ancaster)
At Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Canada, wellbeing is at the forefront of what we’re working together towards. Our programs and activities are designed to be a catalyst that helps community members reach their goals and fulfill their potential. Learn more about the positive impact we have and join us in bringing about positive change.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CANADIAN AIRLINE CARRIES SUPPLIES TO BARBUDA TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION ON PRIMARY SCHOOL DAMAGED BY IRMA
[Toronto, Ontario, May 15, 2019] The Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Fund (ABERF) is pleased to announce that a 20-foot container of building supplies to assist in the completion of repairs to the Holy Trinity School on Barbuda, which was damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017, arrived in Antigua on April 28th, 2019. A Sunwing Airlines flight from Toronto on May 10, 2019 followed the sea shipment, containing additional building supplies donated by the ABERF.
Through the two shipments, the ABRF donated $50,000 CAD worth of building materials to the Holy Trinity School rebuilding project, which including fencing for the school, windows and doors, bathroom essentials and electrical wiring, among other items.
Since being designated a Registered Charity in 1989, the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Fund has actively assisted in the shipment of donations to Antigua and Barbuda whenever a major hurricane occurred. Eric Williams, Secretary-Treasurer of the ABERF recalled that the response of the Antigua and Barbuda Diaspora in Canada was tremendous following the passage of Hurricane Irma. “Donors across Canada responded in an incredible way, upon hearing of the devastation caused by Irma. It was important for us to ensure that their support was met responsibility, and contributed to rebuilding spaces in Barbuda of great significance to the community”. Since Irma, the Fund has utilized contributions it received to send two 40-foot containers of emergency relief items, construction tools, generators and other supplies to Antigua and Barbuda.
Arrangements are now being made for this shipment of the building materials to go to Barbuda, by the Barbuda Council.
“We look forward to seeing the children return to the school where generations of Barbudans spent their formative years. We know that it is critical, after natural disasters occur, to get life back to normal, and we are grateful for the support of the Diaspora to the ABERF in helping Barbudans get closer to this goal”, Williams said.
Trustees of the Fund wish to thank its many donors, while expressing sincere gratitude to the businesses which helped facilitate this recent project, specifically thanking the Home Depot-Ancaster, Sunwing Airlines, Air Canada and Sea Jamaica Limited for their assistance.
The Fund has pledged to continue to assist the country to the best of its ability when needed. Williams explained, “We are continuing to raise funds to assist Antigua and Barbuda in the future. As natural disasters become stronger and more prevalent, we want to be a continued source of support to our brothers and sisters at home, responding to their needs when most unfortunate circumstances like Irma arise”.
The Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Fund (ABERF) is a charity, registered with the Government of Canada, is managed by Trustees, and operated by a committee of Antigua and Barbuda Nationals, living in and around the Toronto area. The Fund was established in the wake of the devastation by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. At that time, members of the diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area, and the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Toronto came together to organize a relief effort. In 1998 the fund was officially renamed “The Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Fund” and registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a charitable entity under registration number 889758579RR0001. Financial donations may be made to: the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Relief Fund at any branch of the Royal Bank of Canada (Transit Number: 06402 – Account Number: 1005040). We are currently exploring options as we seek to work with partners that will grow any and all funds donated towards the Build Barbuda Project.