In an interview with the Dutch Annelot Muijres, founder of the official Foundation Ajudo Na Aruba (FANA) meaning helping Aruba, Aruba Today heard about the growing poverty of the local people due to the COVID-19 crisis and the financial situation on the island. “We feed 12.000 mouths per month, the requests for help are skyrocketing while the donations are falling behind.Â
The 12.000 mouths per month come from 400 to 450 families per week which are provided with week packages by FANA, Muijres says. “We have families between two and nine persons so all different. Notable is the baby boom right now, approximately nine months after carnival. We have many newborns which costs a lot of money and many young mothers cannot provide. FANA offers breast feeding assistance, baby formula and pampers and therefore we need donations really bad.” She also notices that most of the Aruban registered are now out of their saving money and still are unemployed plus without the financial support of the government. Many also inform her that the official food bank and the Red Cross are full so are unable to register them and they consequently turn to FANA. “Our requests for registrations rise while our donations are decreasing. Ajudo na Aruba is run completely by donations, whether it’s food or money (to buy food), diapers, formula or even toys and clothing, every single item donated is valuable to them. If you would like to join this good cause and support Aruba, feel free to donate or contact the organization if you require more information. ALL of the donations are used to help families in need.
Powered by volunteers
​“We are doing this all with love and the help of our fantastic volunteers. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. The project depends on the tremendous effort of them as they –together with our fantastic donors – make this foundation a success.” The volunteers work long days and take precious time away from their families to help Ajudo na Aruba reach out, Muijres says. If you would like to join their fantastic team, please contact the organization through the contact page on their website https://www.ajudonaaruba.com/contact and they will reach out to you.
Refugees
FANA collaborates with HIAS, a Jewish American nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees. Muijres informed Aruba Today before that she estimates there are between 25.000 and 30.000 illegals on the island. The total (legal) population of Aruba is about 106.000 inhabitants. “These refugees have no medical insurance, no jobs and are in immediate need of food and baby milk.” The Arubahuis, the official representative of Aruba in the Netherlands, recently announced to support FANA by advertising online how to donate to the foundation.
Muijres started this initiative by preparing home-cooked meals from her home, but she soon realized this was not enough. The grassroots organization became an official foundation with president Annelot Muijres, secretary Lizzy Jansen and treasurer Xander Muijres. They help all people in need, not only by providing meals or groceries, but also support in basic necessities like diapers, baby formula, soap etc. Have a look at Aruba Today’s video about the foundation on our Facebook page and website: Corona Street Talk – Ajudo na Aruba https://www.facebook.com/arubatoday/videos/2315084928799246/.
FANA
Av. Milio Croes 70
Oranjestad, Aruba
Facebook: FANA Fundacion Ajudo na Aruba, Website: https://www.ajudonaaruba.com
