Amid the ongoing economic struggles faced by Cubans, a group of dedicated volunteers in Cárdenas, Matanzas, orchestrated a heartwarming initiative to distribute food to families in need during the Christmas season. Kiryat Poey shared on the Facebook group "Cardenenses en Facebook" that the effort, led by Idalmys and supported by several community members, involved preparing meals in her home, which was transformed into a hub for this charitable endeavor.
Among the key contributors were Zuleyka, who assisted in both preparation and distribution; Guelsys, who donated a box of chicken and remained vigilant to the needs of others; and Mia Rahid, who sacrificed her Christmas Eve to deliver meals across the city. "I felt uneasy sending her alone to an address, but with a big smile, she reassured me, 'Don't worry, I'm on it,'" Poey recounted about Rahid.
The commitment from all involved, along with other volunteers who provided donations of sweets, seasonings, and nougats, ensured that many families in Cárdenas experienced a different kind of evening. The initiative was celebrated and discussed within the Facebook community as a testament to solidarity and unity during challenging times, demonstrating that empathy and collective effort can make a significant impact amid adversity.
In a previous post, Poey extended his gratitude to a Bakery located on Cristina Street #870, between Estero and Arroyo, which joined the cause by providing cakes and sweets free of charge for the evening's communal dinner. "I want to publicly thank the Bakery that reached out to me and personally delivered cakes and sweets for our solidarity dinner tonight. Words cannot express my gratitude. We will always support their business as they supported us today. May they prosper because they are good people and truly deserve it," he stated.
In recent days, activists, small businesses, and religious organizations have launched various charitable initiatives to support the most vulnerable and neglected by the Cuban regime, including children and the elderly. Bar K5, located in Guanabo, Havana, announced a year-end charitable initiative to serve a special meal to the most vulnerable members of the community, including children in difficult family situations, unprotected elderly, and homeless individuals.
Hugo Puig González, the business owner, shared on Facebook that inspired by last year's experience, they aim to repeat this gesture: "We want to offer an afternoon of joy and a good New Year's meal to as many vulnerable people as possible."
A solidarity lunch organized by the San Pedro Mission, located in the Reparto Flores of Santiago de Cuba, benefited 200 people, including those unable to attend due to health conditions. According to a Facebook post by parish priest Rodhin Alonso Colomar, the event aimed to provide food and support to vulnerable individuals, particularly those bedridden or with medical conditions preventing them from leaving their homes.
Community Solidarity Efforts in Cuba
What inspired the food distribution initiative in Cárdenas?
The initiative was inspired by the economic hardships faced by many Cuban families, prompting community volunteers to come together and offer support during the Christmas season.
Who were the key contributors to the initiative?
Key contributors included Idalmys, Zuleyka, Guelsys, and Mia Rahid, along with other volunteers who donated sweets, seasonings, and nougats.
How did the community respond to these efforts?
The community responded positively, celebrating the initiative as a demonstration of solidarity and unity in challenging times, emphasizing the power of empathy and collective action.
What other charitable activities are taking place in Cuba?
Other initiatives include a special year-end meal by Bar K5 in Havana and a solidarity lunch by the San Pedro Mission in Santiago de Cuba, both aimed at assisting vulnerable groups.