Ambergris Caye is known for being a united community in times of crisis, and the current COVID-19 pandemic is no different. Thousands of islanders have lost their livelihoods after the closure of international borders essentially halted the tourism industry that most Belizeans depended on. In turn, a few islanders have formed groups to help those most in need. One of those helpful groups is the Belize Children’s Assistance Organization, whose mission is to help jobless parents with basic food items and baby products such as diapers, formula, and wipes for those with young babies.
Belize Children’s Assistance Organization was created by island resident Yamilet Tzib, a mother of five children. Tzib shared that she knows what it feels like not to be able to provide for your children, thus, this project became a priority. Tzib explained that she herself is out of work, and had a hard time keeping up with her expenses. She knew that there were others in the same situation, and figured out that if she could get people to donate, others could be helped as well.
“The first week I assisted families, it touched my heart, so I pushed on to continue this initiative,” Tzib said. With the help of Debbie Howell Reed and Sheila Midgett Mark and their GoFundme pages, the organization has been assisting the needy on the island and even on the mainland with weekly grocery packages since April 10, 2020.
Tzib has reached out to many businesses on the Island who willingly donated to make this project possible. One of them was Maruba Beach Klub, who packed and prepared grocery bags for 20 families. According to Tzib, its proprietor Alexandra Nicholson Hauptli happily accompanied her to deliver. Nicholson continues to assist the organization every week.
In order to continue helping, donations are very important. The group organized a live fundraiser on Facebook hash tagged #musicforacause led by DJ Patron (Ruan Nuñez). According to Tzib, this is now being done every Thursday, and from the funds raised, groceries and other items are purchased.
Belize Children’s Assistance Organization to assist students
Tzib shared that when they were distributing, the organization learned that many students would not be able to return to school because of financial issues. A GofundMe page was created in order to collect donations and pay the school fees/registration for these students. A member of the movement, Serena Musil rallied and was able to get some sponsors, who have committed to send a child to school and has set the back to school program in motion.
Tzib and her team thank all of those that have donated and continue to contribute towards this worthy cause. They hope to continue this initiative and would like to take this opportunity to ask those that can and are interested in donating to please email at [email protected] or do so at their GoFundMe page gf.me/u/x3rgwt
