NASSAU, BAHAMAS – To mark “Giving Tuesday”, the Sands Family Foundation announced it donated $500,000 to Hope Town United (HTU) for rebuild efforts in Elbow Cay.
The foundation will also make a matching gift of up to $100,000 for all donations made during the holiday season to immediately help with debris removal and cleanup.
Hurricane Dorian decimated portions of the small island of Elbow Cay, located in the Abacos.
“To kick off this Giving Tuesday, the Sands Family Foundation is challenging everyone to join us in helping to restore the Hope Town community that was devastated by Hurricane Dorian,” said Matt Winslow, Hope Town United Chairman and member of the Sands family.
“Climate change means superstorms like Dorian will be more frequent and powerful, which is why we’re building a global model for disaster recovery and restoration with a focus on autonomy, resiliency and environmental sustainability.”
In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, HTU has become the economic engine leading the restoration of Elbow Cay.
HTU’s focus is raising money to restore historic public buildings, small businesses, and resident homes, while also engaging global engineering experts to design innovative solutions for island utilities.
The strategic plan starts with rebuilding the primary school, restoring the island’s badly damaged medical clinic and leading the development of a modern, environmentally-sustainable utilities infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy generation.
In November, HTU secured major gifts to fund the primary school and medical clinic.
According to a release, HTU is currently working with global financial experts to develop innovative, blended finance structures and impact investment vehicles for the construction of the utilities infrastructure and the reconstruction of locally-owned businesses and residential homes.
For those who wish to make a donation and contribute to the rebuilding efforts, please visit www.hopetownunited.org/.
