Partner Spotlight: Halos and Hearts

Alpinter RED Tent proves its longevity supporting volunteer aid organisation in the Bahamas.

Halos and Hearts Foundation is dedicated to helping victims of natural disasters and bringing hope to families and individuals.  Since October 2017, Halos and Hearts have been dedicated to providing disaster relief from the devastation of Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Dorian.  Their efforts have helped hundreds of families and are made possible through the generosity of volunteers donating their time and financial resources, and they are currently working in Puerto Rico and The Bahamas.

Ron Batt, one of the founders of Halos and Hearts, personally travelled to Grand Bahama on February 26, 2020 to evaluate the devastation from Hurricane Dorian and to help families and individuals recover from the great loss the island had suffered.  Through local connections, Ron found out about a small island at the east end of Grand Bahama called Sweetings Cay, a small fishing village with about 43 homes. Up to 90% of the homes on Sweetings Cay were destroyed by the hurricane.

Initially, Ron planned on staying in Sweetings Cay for 4 weeks, around the same time COVID-19 began to shut down borders. Having fallen in love with the island and the people, Ron decided to remain on Sweetings Cay to ride out the virus and lockdowns, while continuing to assist with the rebuilding efforts.

What was supposed to be a 4 week stay turned into 4 months, and Ron has enjoyed every minute helping local families to rebuild their lives.  There is still no power or running water on the island, so he has been living in an Alpinter RED Tent during this time. Ron notes that “while most tents have been destroyed on the island the RED Tent has been a trooper and has sustained several storms with winds up to 50 mph and driving rain”.