On Friday, Contender Boats, Maverick Boat Group, and NMMA, sent a letter to the recreational marine community urging support for the Bahamian community ravaged by Hurricane Dorian.
Bahamian waters are some of the most idyllic in the world that boaters and anglers have been fortunate to enjoy. With Dorian's destruction wreaking havoc on the lives of Bahamians, the letter encouraged the industry to come together in support of "our neighbors and friends."
Further, Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, whose district includes Virginia Key (home to the Miami International Boat Show) has a strong connection to the Bahamian community. In addition to Virginia Key, his district includes Coconut Grove, which was founded by Bahamians.
As a result, Commissioner Russell has been active in spearheading numerous relief efforts. He pointed the industry toward a Miami-based organization, Third Wave Volunteers, that’s doing work on the ground in the Bahamas.
Third Wave is a registered 501c3. They have deployed medical personnel and supplies via boat to the Abacos and have a C130 transport plane going back and forth from Miami with supplies. Supplies they are in need of at this point are tents for people to sleep in, cleaning supplies, chainsaws and clearing equipment, work gloves and generators. Commissioner Russell has assisted with securing a warehouse in Wynwood to collect supplies and they are receiving assistance at the Opa Locka airport as well.
While many in the industry are likely unable to supply tents and chainsaws, there is great need for monetary donations. Contender Boats, Maverick Boat Group, along with NMMA, are encouraging the industry to contribute and reach a minimum combined donation of $250,000 to relief efforts. Contender, Maverick and NMMA have each pledged $10,000.
HOW TO HELP:
1) Via credit card at this link. Please include "NMMA" next to your name or your company name so we can track our industry's collective donations. Donations are tax-deductible.
2) For large monetary, tax-deductible donations (tax Id is 82-3731839), please send to: Third Wave Volunteers Inc., 3566 Vista Court, Miami, FL 33133 — c/o Citibank ABA/Routing number 266086554. Third Wave Account #9145817339. Please note on Wire Instruction: For Bahamas Dorian Relief — NMMA.
For incoming foreign wire transfers on the account, please use Citibank ABA/Routing Number: 266086554 and SWIFT code: CITI US 33
3) Shipping supplies. Non-palletized supplies can be delivered to: Third Wave Volunteers, 537 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. Palletized supplies can be delivered to: Fountainbleu Aviation, C/O Third Wave Volunteers, 14200 NW 42nd Avenue, Opa-Locka, FL 33054.
In a week or so when the Bahamian government is ready to receive vessels, Third Wave is organizing a flotilla of private boats to travel to the Abaco area including Green Turtle, Guana Cay, and Hope Town. Third Wave will update NMMA as they get close to finalizing these plans and NMMA will update the industry via Currents.
For more information please contact NMMA President, Thom Dammrich, at
[email protected]
Photo credit: Duane Kuck on a recent flight to send supplies to the Bahamas.
