Tuesday, October 10, 2017

New York Cares: Major Shipments of Supplies Delivered to Puerto Rico

Click on the photos to make them larger.


Major shipments of supplies, including more than 425,000 pounds of water, diapers, baby food, wipes, canned goods, dry food, juice, and solar-powered lamps have been delivered to Puerto Rico. The supplies -- donated by New Yorkers at collection sites across the state -- are being distributed to targeted communities across the island over the coming days. The supplies were delivered on two cargo flights chartered by TIDAL and in the cargo hold of a JetBlue passenger flight. The Governor dispatched State Homeland Security Commissioner Roger Parrino to oversee the operation on the ground and ensure all supplies reach communities in need.

"When things are at their worst, New Yorkers are at their best and this state has proved that once again with the overwhelming generosity that has been shown for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria," Governor Cuomo said. "Make no mistake, the recovery process is only beginning and the path that lays ahead for Puerto Rico is a difficult one, but New Yorkers are in this for the long haul. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans until the island is built back even better than before."

As part of the TIDAL X: Puerto Rico initiative, the global music and entertainment company chartered two 747 cargo planes, the first on Saturday and the second yesterday, carrying a total of 400,000 pounds of supplies. Jet Blue transported an additional 25,000 pounds of supplies aboard a passenger flight that arrived in Puerto Rico on Saturday. The three shipments include: 283,000 half-liter bottles of water; 85,000 diapers; 42,000 baby wipes; 40,000 containers of baby food; 15,000 canned goods; 15,000 juice pouches; 8,600 solar lamps; and 6,300 pounds of dry food. 


In addition, TIDAL has supported the transport of an additional 100,000 pounds of much needed supplied to Puerto Rico from Miami.

"The outpouring of love and support for the TIDAL X: Puerto Rico initiative has been so overwhelming," said Dania Diaz of Roc Nation, supporting TIDAL philanthropy efforts. "We are so proud to represent our community in this mission to help our Puerto Rican family during this time of crisis."

Robin Hayes, president and CEO, JetBlue, said, "As JetBlue continues to support Puerto Rico, launching relief and recovery programs for the island within 100 days in 35 ways, we'd like to thank Governor Cuomo for his ongoing leadership in the recovery efforts. With his continued focus, championing the critical needs in Puerto Rico, we have been able to connect with many like-minded organizations to fill not only our own flights with supplies and critical personnel, but to be able to deliver an additional 110 tons of supplies thanks to the generous support of our fellow New York Airline, Atlas Air."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger L. Parrino said, "I am witnessing first-hand the devastation and destruction facing the people of Puerto Rico.  I am impressed at the strength of my fellow Americans as they stoically move forward down the difficult road to recovery. It is imperative that we continue to do all we can to make sure that vital food, supplies and services get to all of Puerto Rico, including those communities away from the coast that are in dire need."

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, co-chair of the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort, said, "This major shipment demonstrates New York's continued commitment to helping our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters as they work to rebuild their homes, infrastructure and lives. I thank Governor Cuomo for his unwavering dedication to partnering with the island.

Source and photo credit: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

No comments: