NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts Kick Off: CommUnity of the Deaf, Inc. Aims to Assist Caribbean Individuals with Disabilities from Sept. 7-12
Buford, Ga.—( Aug. 21, 2024)—The CommUnity of the Deaf, Inc. (CUD) is seeking sponsors and donations from the community and local businesses to assist Caribbean individuals with disabilities whom Hurricane Beryl has severely and tragically impacted. This Category 5 storm decimated the area in July.
“Natural disasters don’t decide to victimize one group or area more than another,” Leonid Johnson, CEO and President of CUD, said. “However, scholars and research say individuals with disabilities are two to four times more likely to die in a large-scale disaster due to access to information and resources.”
CUD’s primary focus is improving the overall well-being of those individuals impacted by the hurricane by providing vital supplies, temporary shelter, nutritious food, life-saving medical supplies, and materials to aid the rebuilding efforts.
From Sept. 7 to 12, CUD is collecting a range of items, including new blankets, sheets, cots, yard waste bags, unexpired canned food, non-perishable items, sleeping bags, solar-powered lights, industrial sponges, professional first aid kits, tarps, personal hygiene kits, washcloths, baby diapers, clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, detergent, towels, paper towels, generators, and school supplies.
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, made landfall in the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast from June 28 to July 9.
“Supporting CUD is vital for persons with disabilities, especially during a national disaster,” Andrew Sharper, the Chairman of the Authentic Caribbean Foundation and Board Member of CUD, said. “Partnering with CUD ensures there are no barriers and that people will have access.”
“The urgent need for access to information about disaster preparedness for Deaf Caribbean communities,” Ian Dhanoolal, a Deaf researcher, activist, community leader, teacher, and CUD Board Member, said. “In the Caribbean, there is a lack of understanding of sign language variation, insufficient planning, and lack of access to technology can limit such information. I am determined to address this pressing issue.”
Interested parties may contact Pres. Johnson at leonidjohnson@unityofthedeaf.org. The donation drop- off location is 1734 Gray Gables Way, Buford, Ga. For pick up, please call 1-585-360-0377.
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Contact:
Leonid Johnson
President and CEO
Phone: 1-585-360-0377
Email: leonidjohnson@unityofthedeaf.org