Councilman Andy King partnered with Black Nurses Rock and The Nutressence Network to raise money for families in Haiti affected by Hurricane Matthew.
Matthew struck parts of the Caribbean and the southeastern part of the United States in early October.
As of this article, in Haiti, there are approximately 900 people reported dead because of the hurricane. The storm left much more homeless.
King and Joanne Sylvestre, chief financial officer for Black Nurses Rock and founder of the Nutressence Project, joined together at King’s offices on Tuesday, October 25 to address media and garner support for the fundraiser.
“As a multi cultural rich district,” said King, “we join with our Haitian family and neighbors in mourning the hundreds of lives that were lost and much more who have survived who are going through tremendous challenges recovering and rebuilding.”
If people want to contribute they can bring nonperishable goods, canned goods, toiletries, school supplies, shoes, sandals, baby formula, blankets, baby bottles, baby diapers and wipes, socks, first aid supplies and aspirin, water, combs, blankets for children and adults and sanitary napkins.
The council member has instructed interested parties to bring any of these goods to his office at 940 E. Gun Hill Road.
King and Sylvestre said these are things people may take for granted but the supplies are items people in Haiti desperately need.
King added, “For all our brothers and sisters who are struggling abroad, you have our support and your have our prayers.”
Sylvestre stressed the importance of working together in the efforts to help families in Haiti.
“One of the key things that I want everybody in the community to understand is that it’s all about collaboration,” said Sylvestre.
She said those working on the local level are currently in communication with the Haitian consulate in Washington D.C.
She added once the goods are collected they will be shipped to the consulate.
Sylvestre said the idea to begin fundraising for victims in Haiti stemmed from a recent Real Men Wear Pink event.
Real Men Wear Pink is the American Cancer Society’s movement to make sure men are supporting breast cancer patients and also conscious of their own breast health.
According to Sylvestre and King, people at the event were discussing additional ways in which they could help the community before landing on the idea for the Haiti fundraiser.
The week’s fundraising was culminated in a community event Friday, October 28 from 8 to 11 p.m.
The event will take place at the “Where It’s At Activity Center” and include music by DJ Falkon and DJ Melvy Hype.
Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable in order to enter.
King said residents can continue to support the fundraiser and bring donations to the event until 11 p.m.
For more information on the fundraiser you can contact Councilmember King’s office at (718) 684-5509.
For more information on Black Nurses Rock and the Nutressence Network visit black
