The plight of a mother from Holguín, who tearfully pleaded for food for her children after losing everything to Hurricane Melissa, has sparked a wave of solidarity among Cubans.
Noly Blak, an activist who documented the woman's story in Peralta, Cacocum municipality, announced on Friday the launch of a fundraising campaign to buy her a home and help her rebuild her life with her four young children.
"We are going to purchase a small house for this mother. If you'd like to contribute, the account number is CUP 9205 0699 9058 4681. For Zell donations, contact me privately. Please remember to send a screenshot of your transfer via WhatsApp for the list I always post on Facebook," Blak shared on social media.
In a Facebook video, the young mother, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude for the support:
"Thank you so much," she said moments before breaking into tears, realizing that people both inside and outside the country were eager to help secure a home for her and her children.
The activist clarified that those wishing to donate can send their confirmation via direct message and choose whether to have their name listed publicly or anonymously among the donors.
The woman gained attention earlier this week when Blak shared her plea: "I don't want anything, all I want is food for the children," she stated, showing the ruins of her home destroyed by floods.
Hurricane Melissa left thousands of families displaced in the eastern part of the country, especially in the provinces of Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba, where authorities have failed to provide effective recovery assistance.
In the face of insufficient government aid, Noly Blak's citizen-led initiative has become a beacon of solidarity among Cubans, in a nation where poverty and despair increasingly meet with acts of empathy and mutual support.
Supporting Cubans in Times of Crisis
How can people contribute to help the affected mother in Holguín?
Contributions can be made through the provided account number or via Zell, with donors encouraged to send a screenshot of their transfer to Noly Blak's WhatsApp.
What was the impact of Hurricane Melissa on eastern Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage, leaving thousands of families displaced, particularly in the provinces of Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba.
What role has citizen solidarity played in Cuba's recovery efforts?
In the absence of adequate government responses, citizen solidarity initiatives like Noly Blak's have become crucial in providing support and rebuilding efforts for those affected by disasters.