It was by no surprise that when word broke that Dominica was experiencing a storm, instantly they messaged in lone Dominica in the group, Julia Joseph, about the impact that tropical storm Erika was having on her family. The footage which followed was reminiscent of the impact of Hurricane Tomas and the Christmas eve trough on St Lucia, not too long ago.
Luckily Joseph’s family was spared unlike many other families in Dominica but she had lost most of her personal items left in Dominica.
On a recent one day trip to Brussels, Belgium, five of the students started brainstorming on how we could help Dominica. They decided to make calls and ask their friends and families to spread the word and donate to the cause. From their investigation they learnt that Geest shipping agency had agreed to ship goods to Dominica free of charge. This was perfect. Soon enough bags of items flowed in; clothing, shoes and some light appliances. The students all assembled at the hostel of the Dominican, sorting through the items and packaged appropriately for the shipping agency to collect on the weekend.
Jovanee Jn Maria said, “I am happy to be a proud member of Volunteer Saint Lucia and we are certainly pleased to assist Dominica in our little way, because today is their time of need”.\