Efforts will continue as long as there is a need, says resort

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As thousands begin to pick up the pieces in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, which left a path of destruction as it stalled over Abaco and Grand Bahama a week ago, Atlantis and Brookfield Asset Management has pledged $3 million to benefit relief efforts.

“The pledge is in addition to the grass roots efforts that started prior to and immediately after the storm, and will benefit a combination of funds and organizations [which] are on the ground providing aid and assistance to the Bahamian people,” Atlantis said.

Atlantis President and Managing Director Audrey Oswell said, “All of us here at Atlantis are deeply saddened by the devastation of our sister islands Abaco and Grand Bahama. We are thankful that Hurricane Dorian did not directly impact Nassau and Paradise Island and we are in a position to help our fellow Bahamians. Now our focus is on how we can contribute to the rebuilding of lives and communities in the affected areas.”

According to the mega resort on Paradise Island, efforts to provide aid and relief started prior to the storm with Atlantis’ partnership with chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen team in preparing much-needed meals, which continue to be assembled and delivered to Abaco and Grand Bahama; and volunteers from Atlantis’ staff continue to assist in preparation and delivery.

Atlantis said these efforts will continue as long as there is a need.

In a notice shared with its personnel last week, Atlantis announced the $3 million pledge as well as additional fundraising and relief initiatives, including the donation sites established at Brookfield Place in New York and Atlantis’ offices in Plantation, Florida, to collect essential and emergency supplies. These will be delivered to relief organizations.

Atlantis has also coordinated the shipment of medical supplies donated by Baptist Health, a faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization and clinical care network in southern Florida.

Additionally, the resort has established a Go Fund Me site, which seeks to raise $1 million, of which 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to the Bahamas Red Cross. Brookfield will also create a donation fund and will match contributions made by its employees worldwide. This funds will benefit the World Central Kitchen.

Atlantis has established an employee assistance fund to aid in the relocation or renovation expenses for the families of its employees.

According to the resort, it continues to work diligently with many of its suppliers and other business partners to obtain additional assistance.

Dorian ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama on September 1-3, leveling communities, displacing thousands and claiming the lives of a confirmed 50 people. The death toll is expected to rise to a “staggering” figure.