TORONTO — The Bob Family Travel Team at TravelOnly, lead by Pat Probert and Mary de Almeida, elevated their annual summer trade event at Mimico Cruising Club with a show of support for those impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
Accepting donations on behalf of St. Vincent and The Grenadines was Director of Sales, Canada, Shelley John.
Turnout from the Bob Family Travel Team included Probert and de Almeida, Rob Pittelli, Wendy Sedore and Sandy and Terry Declare as well as 100+ TravelOnly advisors, plus many supplier partners.
Hurricane Beryl, the earliest and strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, devastated Grenada’s two sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as five islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Union Island, Canouan, Palm Island, Mayreau and Petit St. Vincent.
“All of these islands. as of today, still do not have power and they do not know when they may get power or clean drinking water,” said Probert. “We are one big family in this travel business and when one of us hurts, everyone helps. We sent out a message asking everyone to bring something to aid these countries – and we were overwhelmed by the response.”
Filling two vehicles with everything from tarps and blankets to baby diapers and wipes, to toothpaste and many more items, the travel industry in Toronto showed their love for the Caribbean
“Although some people have left their homes for the bigger island of St. Vincent, still others have chosen to remain in their homes and vow to rebuild. But they have no roofs. In fact, they have nothing, as all their belongings were taken by Beryl. We are grateful beyond measure to Pat and Mary, for organizing this event – and to each TravelOnly advisor and supplier who brought items so desperately needed,” said John.
Many in attendance asked about making financial contributions.
As reported earlier this month, One Caribbean Canada has created a page on its website (https://onecaribbeancanada.ca/insider-info) of approved and registered charities or approved government disaster relief funds to aid those countries most impacted by Beryl.
One Caribbean Canada founder Nancy Drolet notes that Global Medic is recognized as a preferred charity where Canadians can either volunteer in person or make financial contributions.
