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4 weeks in the past, Southwest Florida was devasted by the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since 1935. In Ian’s wake, communities weren’t solely scrambling to make sure their households and family members have been protected, however many have been left to rebuild their companies or guarantee they nonetheless had jobs. Due to the intense winds and file storm surge, a few of these hardest hit have been the individuals in our area’s marine trade.
Figuring out an instantaneous want, the Marine Industries Affiliation of Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay (MIA), in partnership with the Outdated Salt Fishing Basis, introduced the formation of the Boaters Serving to Boaters Hurricane Aid Fund, supporting households of these making a residing on Southwest Florida waters.
“It’s laborious to think about the challenges our members and all these part of Southwest Florida’s Marine Trade have confronted within the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” mentioned MIA Govt Director John Good. “On the similar time, it’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of assist and the efforts being made by our trade to get again to some stage of normalcy as rapidly as attainable. Whereas there are lots of worthwhile fund-raising efforts, our aim is to place {dollars} instantly into the arms of these in our trade most in want. We’re grateful that our associates at The Outdated Salt Fishing Basis are becoming a member of the trouble with us.”
Established in 1971, the Basis’s mission is “To create, shield and promote leisure fishing alternatives for Florida anglers and their households.” With an all-volunteer workers and board of administrators, they maintain a number of annual fishing tournaments, have intensive youth & household outreach packages, and angler training initiatives. Over the previous ten years, they’ve donated greater than 1 million {dollars} to deserving regional charities. Having raised $32,800 throughout Covid for the fishing neighborhood, they’ve the expertise to simply accept and distribute funds correctly.
100% of the monies collected will go instantly into the arms of these in want who’re part of the marine trade, fishing trade, marine legislation enforcement, and others associated to the waterfront. The Basis and the MIA will work collectively to make sure the monies go the place they’re most wanted. “We see this as an ongoing effort,” mentioned Good. “With Ian behind us and the world starting the lengthy highway to restoration, people are going to have wants for a very long time and can very a lot recognize the assist of others in our trade.” The MIA kick-started the fund with a $2,500 donation, and several other others jumped aboard, constructing the fund to virtually $35,000.00 as the trouble moved ahead.
The Outdated Salt Fishing Basis is a 501c3 not-for-profit. Tax-deductible donations may be made on-line at oldsaltfishing.org. https://oldsaltfishing.org/hurricane-ian-marine-industry-relief-fund/. Checks ought to be made to Outdated Salt Fishing Basis (Hurricane Ian Aid within the notes). Ship to PO Field 8564. Madeira Seashore, FL 33738
For extra data, contact John Good. 954-570-7785. [email protected]
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