Lockdown and restrictions may have lifted, but COVID-19’s deep ripples on the tourism-dependent San Pedro are still felt across the 25-mile long island. Considering tourism accounts for more than one-third of the country’s GDP and a third of all jobs, Belize’s industry came to a grinding halt as COVID-19 swept the world. Particularly vulnerable is San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, who heavily relies on international guests. When the country of Belize closed its borders one year ago almost to the date, zero tourism meant zero income for the vast majority of Ambergris Caye’s residents. As San Pedro continues on the road to recovery with the strength of community, this feeding program needs your support to continue.
I Heart Belize: #SanPedroStrong
Unless Blue Water Grill is able to raise more money, this week will be the last for their feeding program. Led by Lisa Forman with the help of the BWG team and a fantastic army of volunteers from the community, the BWG Feeding Program started in June 2020. Since then, they’ve been able to deliver 4,272 hot meals and 750 grocery bags to hundreds of families, including many children and seniors. The need in San Pedro continues.
Donate here.
Quick Facts about the Blue Water Grill Feeding Program
- Your entire donation—all 100%— is used to buy food for the feeding program.
- Blue Water Grill buys and distributed fresh produce and other food like tamales and ducunu from small businesses, many of which are women owned. So in addition to feeding those who need it, they’re also helping small businesses stay afloat.
- At this donation link here, you can see a full accounting breakdown of the program. That includes how much funds have been raised since June 2020, what they’ve spent thus far, and more.
- If you have any questions or need help making a donation, Blue Water Grill is happy to help. Send them a message via Facebook here or by email to [email protected].
Prior to the pandemic, each month, they raised money for a cause in San Pedro. Sister businesses of The Phoenix Resort, Red Ginger, and Wine de Vine also participated in this monthly donation program. From January through June 2020, they were raising money to tile the 2nd floor classrooms of the San Pedro RC Primary School. In 2019, $30K was contributed for tiling the 1st floor classrooms. Now, they’re hoping to do the 2nd floor classrooms. How it works:
1. Their customers donate.
2. They match 100% of all donations.
3. They use 100% of the money donated, plus their match, on the tile project.
From July through December 2019, they contributed $10,989.90 towards the operating costs for Hope Haven, which is a children’s shelter here in San Pedro. If you’re in the position to do so, please donate to keep this vital feeding program on Ambergris Caye alive. Donate here.
All images courtesy Blue Water Grill via Facebook
