In the course of chronicling the latest developments in this industry for the past 17 years, I have found that times of trouble bring out the best in many industry members. It happened when Hurricane Katrina plowed across the Gulf Coast, for example. Yacht builders that had been fierce competitors of Trinity Yachts reached out to offer assistance in the form of craftspeople and donations for staff whose homes were destroyed.
People are reaching out once again, only this time for individuals who have nothing to do with the yacht business. The goal is to raise awareness and donations for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
If you’ve been anywhere near a television or newspaper, it’s been hard to escape the images of people in dire need of medical assistance. Crew Unlimited was among the first companies to reach out in this respect, in the form of an e-mail asking crewmembers and others with medical training to contact Doctors Without Borders (also known as Medicins Sans Frontiers).
Earlier today, I learned about more fundraising efforts, for everything from medicine to food. Horizon Yacht Charters is encouraging clients to donate $20, which will go to the British Virgin Islands Red Cross. Sylvia Driver, director of Horizon’s BVI office, says the company will match contributions dollar for dollar. The offerings can be made upon booking your charter or in person upon arriving at Horizon’s Nanny Cay location.
And just a few moments ago, Yacht Haven Grande announced it’s hosting a benefit concert this coming Saturday, for the American Red Cross. From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., five bands will perform, and while admission is free, donations will be accepted and encouraged. In addition, with the help of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association, prizes ranging from boat cruises to hotel stays will be raffled off. Raffle tickets are $5 each. For more details, contact Josalyn Bitterman at Yacht Haven Grande: +1-340-775-8901.
Of course, we can all do our part by making donations to each of these worthy charitable organizations, as well as others. I encourage you to do so today if you haven’t already.
January 19 update: Sailorman, a store based in Fort Lauderdale, is donating part of the proceeds from its upcoming sale to the Food for the Poor Haiti Relief Fund. The store will contribute specific dollar amounts for specially marked Dollar Day items throughout the store. And on some Dollar Day items, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the fund. Items you can pick up that will be part of the fundraising effort include foul-weather gear, fender covers, used fishing/dive items, and used charts.
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