Ten containers loaded with approximately 110,100 pounds of humanitarian aid are expected to arrive on August 18.
A ship carrying ten containers of humanitarian aid — roughly 110,100 pounds of food, medical supplies and hygiene products — departed Puerto Rico this week bound for Venezuela, the first maritime shipment in a solidarity campaign that has mobilized thousands of islanders in support of the Venezuelan people, Fundación Multinational said.
“For us, this represents hope turned into action. Every box that goes out carries much more than supplies; it carries the affection, solidarity, and commitment of thousands of people who decided to help. As a mother, daughter, and sister, I know what it means to want to protect your family in difficult times, and that is precisely what drives us at Fundación Multinational: to stand with those who need it most through concrete action, promoting solidarity,” Barnés said in a written statement.
“I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, every person who showed up. At Fundación Multinational we will keep working with transparency, responsibility, and deep social commitment, because we are convinced that solidarity can change lives. Every contribution, no matter how small it may seem, makes an enormous difference,” she added.
The maritime shipment follows the first airlifted shipment of supplies, which departed on July 11, expanding the reach of the humanitarian mission. Fundación Multinational credited the cargo to the commitment and generosity of thousands of individuals, volunteers, businesses, and organizations who stepped up to help.
The shipment, which departed late Tuesday night, includes food, hygiene products for children and adults, diapers, wipes, personal care items, first-aid supplies, medical and surgical equipment, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, IV fluids, and other basic necessities that will benefit vulnerable families.
The mission is being carried out in partnership with Cáritas Puerto Rico, which will coordinate the safe delivery of the aid to Cáritas Venezuela for distribution among communities with the greatest needs. The vessel is expected to reach its destination on August 18. Once in Venezuela, the cargo will continue through Cáritas Venezuela’s distribution network.
The maritime transport of the containers is being carried out in partnership with shipping company CMA-CGM. The effort was also made possible through the support of several other partners: Caribbean Produce Exchange (CPE), which assisted with cross-docking and transport to the dock; Anytime Transport, which donated transportation of the containers from the collection center at Hiram Bithorn Stadium; the Gran Logia Soberana de Puerto Rico, which facilitated the connection with Cáritas Venezuela; and Intership, which donated containers for moving the cargo from the docks.
The foundation said the shipment would not have been possible without what it described as an extraordinary response from the people of Puerto Rico, who came together to donate essential items, volunteer their time, and support the operation’s logistics.
