Vanuatu Relief
From March 1 - March 4 2023, Vanuatu was hit with back-to-back Category 4 tropical cyclones. The first was Judy followed by Kevin. These twin cyclones devastated many communities throughout Vanuatu. There is significant damage to homes, crops, livelihoods and infrastructure. The initial reports from Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office indicated approximately 251,319 people, of which 125,500 are children, have been impacted by the dual tropical cyclones—that is nearly 80% of the country’s population.
In the immediate aftermath, our sister organization SPBD Vanuatu set in motion our disaster relief and recovery program. Please help us provide relief and hope to the Vanuatu community.
OR TEXT "VANUATU" TO 44-321
If you prefer, you can mail a donation to: The MicroDreams Foundation, 60 Park Place, Suite 520, Newark, NJ 07102 or P.O. Box 33541, Takapuna, Auckland 0740
Below are just some of the devastating stories from Vanuatu. Across the island there are many more like them. Help us deliver relief and hope to the thousands of Ni-Vanuatu families impacted by cyclones Judy and Kevin.
Lilliano Andrew, 41yrs old, married with 2 children, roadside food stall owner
Prior to the cyclones, Lilliano joined SPBD to set up and run a roadside food stall. Judy destroyed half of her family house and one day later, Kevin destroyed everything—including her business. She and her family have moved in with her husband's relatives until they can rebuild a small shelter for her family.
Meriam Kokona, 41yrs old, married with 2 children, canteen owner
The cyclones destroyed everything Meriam and her family owned. Her husband is building a temporary shelter. She needs financial help to revive her business and rebuild the family home.
Sherolyn Timothy, 34yrs old, married with 5 children, roadside food stall owner
Sherolyn would sell food every evening to earn income for her family. However, everything was destroyed by the cyclones. Now she and her family are staying with her
relatives until they manage to rebuild their home.
Leirei Graham, 47yrs old, widow with 3 children, food prep business
Prior to the cyclones, Leirei fed her community at lunch time along the main road. The cyclone destroyed her home (including her kitchen / her business). She is staying in a temporary shelter but she needs financial help to restart her business.
Jill Horry, 56yrs old, married with 4 children, flower garden and bus businesses
Jill Horry's business is a family affair. She is disabled so everyone pitches in. She has a bus business, and her husband drives the bus daily, while she and her two girls take care of the flower garden. Cyclone Kevin flooded their home, furniture, and flower garden business. The family is trying to fix what they can while they sleep in their bus. They need financial support to help revive their businesses and renovate their home.
Ruth Lai, 42yrs old, married with 2 children, store owner
Ruth Lai took loans from SPBD Vanuatu to set up and run a retail store in front of her house. Cyclone Kevin took the roof off of her store and all the goods inside were damaged. She’s looking for a financial support to help her revive her small store.
Margareth Standley, 47yrs old, married with 5 children, store owner
The cyclones came and destroyed Margareth's entire house. She and her family are currently living in a tent while her family tries to rebuild. Margareth needs financial support to revive her businesses.
Relief Kits
For just a little over $100 USD, you can provide a relief kit for a family in need. We are aiming to provide 2,205 kits. The kits include rice, tinned fish, tinned corned beef and noodle packets. The cash component will provide members with the flexibility to purchase items specific to their situations – e.g., medicine, perishable food, baby food, diapers and other important staples.
OR TEXT "VANUATU" TO 44-321
If you prefer, you can mail a donation to: The MicroDreams Foundation, 60 Park Place, Suite 520, Newark, NJ 07102 or P.O. Box 33541, Takapuna, Auckland 0740
