The volunteer pilots group that has helped transport people and aid to the islands of the Central and Southern Bahamas devastated by Hurricane Joaquin is in need of financial assistance in order to maintain the relief effort.

The Southern Islands Hurricane Joaquin Relief Drive is an initiative spearheaded by Archdeacon Keith Cartwright. It formed in the wake of the category four storm that directly hit Long Island, Crooked Island, Acklins, San Salvador and Rum Cay last week.

Pilots have volunteered their planes and time to transport emergency aid and emergency responders. The initiative was started by a group of 15 to 20 Long Islanders directed at assistance to that island. However, there are now 100-plus volunteers for a relief effort that spans the Southern Bahamas. The fuel bill for this relief effort is around $25,000 per day.

The pilots need donations in order to maintain the airlift. Those interested in donating can bring checks to the Odyssey Aviation Bahamas airport made out to The Church of Saint Christopher. There is also a hurricane relief account at Odyssey where funds can be deposited. Cash and checks are accepted.

For more information call Odyssey Aviation Bahamas at 702-0200 and ask for the hurricane relief team.

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