Generating help

Hi all,

We hope everyone has been staying cool in the heat and haven’t been too interrupted by the chaos caused by a heatwave.

As we slept with fans on and were glad to find ourselves in air conditioned buildings whenever we could, this nomination came in - for a family and community trying to raise cash to buy a generator just for their basic power needs. It felt like a no-brainer. 

With thanks to longtime member Matt for the nomination and sent with love to Adrian and his family. 

Stay cool gang!!

Jen, Charlotte, Ray and Joe xx

Dear 500 reasons team,

I’m writing to nominate Adrian Norris’ family and immediate community in Cuba for support in purchasing an electricity  generator and solar panels .

He explains the situation here:

‘I have lived in the UK for the past five years, while my grandmother, mother, aunt and younger brother (aged 10) remain in Cuba. Throughout that time, I have done my best to support them financially, but the situation in Cuba has become increasingly difficult.

In recent months, shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and electricity have worsened significantly. The government-sanctioned food shops have been empty for weeks, meaning the population has to shop at the more expensive tourist dollar stores. My family lives in a rural area where long power outages have become common. These blackouts affect every aspect of daily life. Food cannot be stored safely, access to healthcare is limited, and schools have either closed or operate on reduced hours.

I am trying to raise enough money to purchase a generator and solar panels which would provide my family and their local community  with a more reliable and sustainable  source of energy in this crisis period and beyond.

I am sending funds - including from friends and family here - to help cover day-to-day  essential food costs and medical needs. What I am struggling to find is money for this larger capital cost. We’d be so grateful for any help towards this .’ 

We’re  really happy to provide more detailed information if you need it.

And thanks so much for considering my  nomination. 

With all best wishes

Matt