|
I want to thank the following people who answered my call to action and joined me in making a donation toward the relief efforts in Hato Mayor, a province in the Dominican Republic that suffered the worst impact of storm Isaiah.
- Joe Basralian
- Luz Ramirez
- Kisha Melvin
Together we were able to donate $514.55 (30,028 DOP). This amount won't free anyone from poverty, but every dollar count, especially in a country like the Dominican Republic. The photos above are proof of that! I received some emails from people who didn't donate, but still questioned my intentions and asked how the money would be spent.
In 2019, I was able to build some healthy relationships with residents in Higüey, Dominican Republic. That's how I was able to visit Hato Mayor and spend some time there as well. I was just there during my short stay July 7 - 17, 2020.
When I heard about how hard Hato Mayor was hit after the storm I was moved to do something. It amazes me how people with not much still manage to come together and help one another. The small amount I was able to raise was sent to Yojandy Anyelina Mota, who's been on the ground helping to gather supplies and donations for those in need. Yojandy had been posting a lot about it on her Facebook page.
Although Yojandy currently lives in Higüey with her mother, brother, and children, she's from Hato Mayor. Her father, sister and other family members still live in Hato Mayor. Yojandy joined a group of others that have been documenting what's going on there and helping to get donations and supplies to the people who need it the most.
I've been spending two years in the Dominican Republic conducting agricultural research mostly in Constanza, also considered the agricultural capital. I'm in the process of establishing a chapter organization there that focuses on organic agriculture, environmental & nutrition education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable living practices. We've conducted a few herbalism workshops with residents in Constanza in July 2020 and I plan to return in November to help create a community garden. I'll be releasing more detailed information about this initiative in the coming weeks.
Tobias A. Fox
Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc.
www.sasglocal.com
|
