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For many families in Cuba, survival has become a daily struggle centered on finding basic necessities like food, medicine, electricity, and fuel. Across the island, residents wait in long lines for bread, cooking oil, and milk while pharmacies and hospitals face severe shortages of essential supplies. Rolling blackouts and fuel shortages have further worsened daily life, disrupting transportation, food distribution, and emergency services.
In New Orleans, the nonprofit NOLA Loves CUBA is working to bring relief directly to struggling Cuban families. Through donations and fundraising efforts, the volunteer organization is preparing a 13,000-Pound Shipping Container filled with nonperishable food, over-the-counter medicines, hygiene products, and household necessities.
Executive Director David Jackson said the organization’s mission is rooted in compassion and solidarity.
“We are providing an opportunity for our community to come together in solidarity and help those who are living through a desperate situation,” Jackson said. “By purchasing a $10 raffle ticket, supporters are not only entering for a chance to relax and recharge in beautiful Grand Cayman, but they are also helping provide life-saving supplies to families who urgently need assistance.”
To help finance the Humanitarian Shipment, the organization recently launched a Cruise Raffle Fundraiser. Participants can win vacations and donated prizes, but organizers say the true purpose is helping Cuban families facing a Humanitarian Crisis.
Over the past four years, NOLA Loves CUBA has sent and hand-delivered more than 4,000 pounds of food to some of the island’s most vulnerable families. Last year, the organization received a Proclamation from the City of New Orleans recognizing its Humanitarian Efforts.
The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba, combined with decades of trade restrictions and fuel shortages tied to the embargo, has left many citizens struggling simply to survive.
“I think many of us from New Orleans can relate to this after surviving Hurricane Katrina,” Jackson said. “We know what it was like to live without food, electricity, water, hospital service or social services. Right now, in Cuba, parents are drinking sugar water at night and giving their food rations to their children just to survive another night.”
The Raffle’s Grand Prize is a Cruise Getaway to Grand Cayman, known for its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Additional donated prizes include a weekend stay at the Downtown Hyatt, dinner for two at Lola’s Restaurant, dinner for six at Carrabba’s, and a custom Havana Club Rum Basket.
Funds raised will support the shipment of:
- Nonperishable food items
- Over-the-counter and essential medicines
- Hygiene and sanitary products
- Basic household necessities
Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets, spread awareness, and support the effort to provide hope and relief to Cuban families.
For more information about the raffle, tickets, or ways to help, visit www.nolalovescuba.org. Together, New Orleans can show its love and support — one ticket at a time.
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