HAITI RELIEF: HURRICANE MATTHEW 2016
November 7, 2016
by Rachael Russell
On October 4th, 2016, Hurricane Matthew became the first Category 4 storm to strike Haiti since 1964. A category 4 hurricane is classified as the second strongest storm with sustaining maximum winds of 130-156 mph. The aftermath left the death toll in Haiti to well over 800 people, 61,500 people in shelters, and severe damages to the infrastructure of water and sanitation.
Hurricane Matthew left Haiti in a state of disaster.
Sometimes numbers can seem overwhelming and leave us feeling helpless and unable to contribute to a solution. We can’t do everything, but together we can do something to make a difference.
Straight away Style Saves began collecting donations at Ishine365, a Miami- based boutique. We received an overwhelming amount of support throughout the weeks! The response was incredible.
We partnered with brands through shopping events with a percentage of proceeds benefitting this cause; brands include: Balenciaga, Miansai, Calypso, Capretto & Gee Beauty Studios. Additionally, we threw a Style Saves Halloween Party. We circulated flyers through our internal and external contacts encouraging people to donate supplies and funds through our website. Companies like MMG, the Setai, Metro1, and Miansai also hosted internal supply collections for Style Saves.
Donations will be sent to several cities in Haiti: Kenscoff, Robin, Belle-fontaine, Fort Jacque, Platon Café and Camperain; one of the most devastated cities we will be visiting. The disaster relief organizations to which supplies will be donated to are MPKD, Ami de Jesus and Life Saver orphanage, Sohaderk, I MO Church, and MP3K. Medicine and first aid donations will be going to Hospital Bernard with Project Medishare.
Style Saves collected and packed 115 boxes filled with medical supplies, blankets, toiletries, and clothing-much of which was generously donated by GILT. We also collected 3 palettes of water, some of which was generously donated by Vitacoco! Thank you to everyone who spread the word, donated supplies and funds. We couldn't have done it without you.
We can't wait to arrive in Haiti with this container of goods and hope that it will help our friends there rebuild their homes.