Shortly after Hurricane Dorian raged through the Bahamas, a volunteer group of Islanders, expat Bahamians and Bahamian students established P.E.I. Helps to respond to the destruction and loss left in the aftermath.
Gord McNeilly, co-chair of the group, said P.E.I. is connected to the Bahamas, not only as an island, but also because P.E.I. residents were “lesser victims” of that hurricane.
“Many Bahamian students attend Holland College and UPEI and often remain on P.E.I. following their studies. Bahamian friends and family have chosen to settle and live on P.E.I.,” said McNeilly in a news release.
“As Islands, we stick together, and the Bahamas needs our help.”
P.E.I. Helps has been busy organizing a gala dinner on Jan. 24 at the Prince Edward Delta ballroom.
Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry will be in attendance, and chef Michael Smith will work with the culinary team at the Delta for an outstanding night of food and festivities.
Entertainers include Mark Haynes and Brad Fremlin, assisted by Amy Fredes.
DJ Josh Hood will provide the music vibe for a Caribbean themed dance at the end of the night.
Guests will be entertained by a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo where revelers dress up in elaborate costumes celebrating Caribbean culture.
Research and planning led to a partnership with Samaritan's Purse which is doing restoration and victim assistance work on the ground in the Bahamas.
They will ensure funds raised are directed to the areas of most need in Abaco and Grand Bahama, and all proceeds go to Samaritan's Purse for on the ground relief.
Major corporate sponsors on board so far are the Delta Prince Edward and Home Hardware stores leading with a $5,000 donation.
The committee is busy approaching other businesses for donations and ticket sales.
Tickets can be purchased online on Facebook or by emailing peihelps@gmail.com.
