October 12, 2016, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Digicel TCI, in collaboration with interCaribbean Airways and the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association (TCHTA), are taking part in a Country Wide Relief effort resulting in containers stationed at all Digicel retail stores across the TCI, accepting clothing and food supplies from staffers and the public alike. The donation drive will run for two weeks and will be distributed between Haiti, The Bahamas and Cuba.
Digicel TCI’s CEO, Sinead O Marcaigh said, “We are extremely saddened by the devastation of Hurricane Matthew to our neighbors, The Bahamas, Cuba and Haiti; we hope that with the help, we will be able to assist these disaster victims. We are reaching out to everyone, and no donation is too small; give whatever you can.”
She added, “Historically, Digicel has made significant contributions across the Caribbean following a disaster, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, following Hurricane Ike in 2008; and this time is no different.”
The donations will be shipped free of charge to Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas, thanks to regional airline, interCaribbean Airways.
Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, Mr. Lyndon Gardiner said, “With direct flights to Haiti, The Bahamas and Cuba, we are proud to support this initiative. By partnering with Digicel TCI and the TCHTA, we can ensure that the donations will get to the affected countries to aid the hundreds of people affected by the widespread flooding and damage in the hurricane-ravaged areas.
Gardiner added, “We invite our customers to join us in this important effort; your donation will go a long way.”
The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is on board and the Executive Director of the TCHTA, says, “We cannot wait to give the support to those who need it. The TCHTA is pleased to partner with Digicel TCI and interCaribbean Airways. This relief effort, aimed to provide aid to persons impacted by Hurricane Matthew, is very important to us. We applaud all entities, private or public sector led, for their efforts in assisting our neighbours and we wish to do our part to end the suffering.”
All drop-off containers will be located at the retails stores on North Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, at Graceway House and Digicel’s corporate offices on the Leeward Highway on Providenciales. Acceptable supplies will take the form of canned and dry foods, clothing, and toiletries.
Meanwhile, Digicel also recently launched a text line, so that customers across the Caribbean can make a difference to the people of Haiti. All monetary donations through the text ‘DONATE’ will directly go to three Haitian charities – Haven, Paradis des Indiens and Prodev. Digicel Customers in TCI can text ‘DONATE’ to 5151 for only US$1 and can donate as much as they would like.
