The outpouring of love and support for Bahamians after the damaging effects of Hurricane Dorian has been amazing.
Now world renowned actor, filmmaker and playwright, Tyler Perry, is also stepping up to do his part by sending aid to the residents of the Bahamas, Fox 5 DC reports.
Perry announced earlier this week via social media that he was planning to send help.
“To all the incredible people of the Bahamas who have welcomed me and called me an adoptive son, I want you to know that I am watching closely, and as soon as I can, I will be there to do whatever I can to help you rebuild stronger and better,” Perry wrote.
The 49 year old mogul chartered his private seaplane to send relief supplies to the Abaco islands, one of the most devastated areas in the Bahamas. He packed the plane with supplies including water, juice, diapers, hygiene products, sleeping bags and more. The plane made at least two trips on Thursday and Perry hopes to send several more shipments.
He also brought back 7 passengers on the return trip including a pregnant woman, small children and others who needed immediate medical attention. The category 5 storm left 30 people dead and an island in shambles. Abaco was one of the places hit the hardest, with much of the island underwater.
Perry is one of many people going above and beyond to help, including celebrities Ludacris and Rihanna. Hampton University is even offering free enrollment, room and board to University of Bahamas’ students displaced by Hurricane Dorian.
Thank you to Tyler Perry and everyone else doing their part. For more information on how you can help, check out this list created by The Washington Post below.
- The Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund, set up by the Bahamian government, is accepting wire transfers. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency has posted instructions here.
- The American Red Cross is accepting donations by phone at 800-435-7669 or online here.
- The Salvation Army is accepting money for relief efforts in both the Bahamas and the United States here.
- Mercy Corps has sent a field team that’s meeting with emergency managers and other organizations to coordinate response efforts. The organization is accepting money here.
- The Grand Bahama Port Authority has established the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation to provide relief to that island. It’s accepting donations and supplies.
- YachtAid Global, which coordinates yacht operators in providing humanitarian aid and disaster response, is accepting money to purchase supplies including food, hygiene kits, medicine and tarps.
- Global Giving, a global crowdfunding platform, has set up the Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund to help local organizations purchase food, water and medicine.
- World Central Kitchen has sent teams to provide food on Grand Bahama and the Abacos. The organization, founded by chef José Andrés, is accepting money here.
- The National Association of the Bahamas, based in Miami and working with the Bahamas consul general there, has set up a Hurricane Relief Fund.
Photo Courtesy of Tyler Perry Studios