Hurricane Irma visited the Florida Keys last week leaving behind a devastated charter fishing industry. These are our fellow fishermen. They are devastated both personally & professionally and need our assistance to recover and rebuild.
Old Salt Fishing Foundation is establishing the Fishermen Helping Fishermen Fund to raise money, & provide direct financial support to, charter captains in the Florida Keys adversely impacted by Hurricane Irma. We are working with Captain Paulette Barrett of Dream Catcher Charters in Key West, FL to ensure all donations go to fellow charter captains to rebuild their businesses.
“So many Captains are suffering a loss. Many have lost their boats or homes while others have been blessed with minimal loss. Regardless of their tangible loss they will ALL be effected by the loss of business. There has been devastation but also great progress towards recovery and rebuilding. In addition to immediate needs, it is very important that visitors not cancel their vacations or fishing trips in the near future because we are strong and have come together to ensure success. The Keys will be ready and open for business VERY soon! We are thankful for all the help and cannot wait to get back on the water.” ~ Captain Paulette Barrett
(check out her Keys pictures from before & after the storm – click here)
Old Salt wants to show that we are Florida Strong. We are producing for sale a Florida Strong tee shirt with $5 from the sale of every shirt going into the fund for fisherman in need. Go online to https://shop.oldsaltfishing.org/ to buy a shirt. And help rebuild a life.
“Many fellow anglers in the Keys make their living on charter boats and will need help getting their businesses, their boats, up and running. They will need financial assistance. The Keys are dear to all anglers across the globe and we need to help them rebuild. We are hoping to raise significant funds through the Fishermen Helping Fishermen – Florida Strong fundraiser to assist those in need.” ~Tom Verdensky, president of Old Salt Fishing Foundation
Other ways to help:
Basic needs such as generators, fans, extension cords, plywood, wood screws, smaller AC units, solar phone chargers, insect repellent, toiletry items will be needed. Look for local drop off points to donate these items.
If you have a drop off location or know of one … list them in the comments below. We will do our best to share them.
