In just five days, Christian activist and comedian Limay Blanco successfully gathered $1,405 to assist Yamislay López, a mother of three from Alacranes, Matanzas, whose EcoFlow power station and solar panel were stolen amid Cuba's prolonged power outages.
Blanco shared in a Facebook video that donations have flowed in both from abroad and from within Cuba.
Of the $1,405 collected, $1,283 came through Zelle, while 82,878 pesos were raised in Cuba. Blanco estimated this to be around $122, using an exchange rate of 680 pesos per dollar.
"One hundred twenty-two dollars have been donated in the national currency. Outside of Cuba, the donations amount to one thousand two hundred eighty-three. Together, that brings us to a total of one thousand four hundred five dollars," Blanco explained.
Yamislay's situation gained widespread attention after she tearfully reported the theft of her EcoFlow and solar panel.
The robbery occurred on the first day of the 2026-2027 school year when she briefly left her home to purchase backpacks for her children. The thief reportedly entered through a rear window.
Living alone with her three young children, Yamislay had received the EcoFlow as a gift from a follower to help cope with the blackouts.
Beyond Simple Replacement
Limay Blanco aims to do more than just replace the stolen equipment. The activist recently announced plans to set up a more comprehensive energy system for her, including a 6,000-watt inverter, a 15,000 battery, and six solar panels.
Blanco mentioned that he has already secured the inverter through a trade. "If I initially said we were going to buy an inverter, I will buy it in the name of Jesus. I saw her performing a kind act: giving water to her neighbors," he shared as one of the motivations for his efforts.
He refrained from specifying the remaining funds needed for the project, noting the fluctuating prices of batteries and solar panels. He also advised caution against offers that seem too good to be true, to avoid potential scams.
Personal Commitment and Challenges
Blanco plans to travel to Alacranes personally to install the system, potentially timing the visit with performances in Varadero on September 26 and 27.
If the necessary funds aren't raised by then, he expressed willingness to use his own earnings. "God willing, we'll have the money by then, because I would need to use all that money, which I need. Right now, my car is broken, and I have health issues," he admitted.
In recent days, Blanco has also addressed skepticism surrounding the campaign, including claims that Yamislay had already received help or that the new equipment might be stolen again. He dismissed these concerns and thanked those who have contributed and shared the story.
The Broader Impact
The loss of such systems is a severe blow for Cuban families amid the energy crisis. Backup systems and solar panels have become essential alternatives for many households facing extended power cuts.
For over six years, Blanco has led the Christian Ministry "Cristo Cambia Vidas," through which he has provided more than 46 homes to vulnerable families and conducted other aid projects across the island.
The comedian has promised to update the public on the funds raised in the coming days to determine what's still needed to fulfill his pledge of providing Yamislay and her children with a new energy system.
FAQs on Limay Blanco's Fundraising Efforts
Who is Yamislay López?
Yamislay López is a mother of three from Alacranes, Matanzas, who became the focus of a fundraising effort after her EcoFlow power station and solar panel were stolen.
How did the theft occur?
The theft happened on the first day of the 2026-2027 school year when Yamislay briefly left her home to buy backpacks for her children, and the thief entered through a rear window.
What is Limay Blanco's plan for Yamislay?
Limay Blanco plans to set up a comprehensive energy system for Yamislay, including a 6,000-watt inverter, a 15,000 battery, and six solar panels, to help her cope with power outages.