Supporting Victims of Devastating Forest Fires
This Saturday, Silva Duarte and his friends are rallying together to gather donations to assist the victims of the catastrophic forest fires wreaking havoc in Portugal, his home country. Silva Duarte’s deep-rooted desire to help stems from his family’s legacy of service as firefighters and paramedics in Portugal, driving him to volunteer for the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) in Clervaux as a paramedic and firefighter.
Background and Motivation
Having moved to Luxembourg a decade ago, Silva Duarte is currently undergoing training to become an assistant nurse with aspirations to pursue a career as a nurse in the future. The recent wildfires in Portugal, where his entire family resides, have struck a chord with him, evoking emotions of empathy and urgency to provide aid to those in need.
Emotional Response and Action
Reflecting on the distressing situation, Silva Duarte expressed, “Videos were sent to me of people crying because they have lost everything.” The heartbreaking accounts of loss and devastation compelled him to take action, leading him to initiate a donation appeal on Facebook to support the wildfire victims in Portugal.
On Saturday, September 21, Silva Duarte will be hosting a charity event at the ‘Salle des Fêtes’ in Diekirch from 6am to 6pm, urging people to contribute donations to assist those affected by the fires. The address for the donation drop-off is 2, rue des Ecoles, near the tribunal, with a request to deliver donations before 4pm.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
Recognizing the magnitude of the relief effort, Silva Duarte has enlisted the help of his colleagues to collect essential items for the firefighters and individuals impacted by the wildfires. The focus is on gathering immediate necessities such as water, energy drinks, food (including animal food), as well as non-perishable items like coffee machines, blankets, and carpets.
Each donation is meticulously recorded by Silva Duarte to ensure accountability and track the distribution of items to the recipients in Portugal. With logistical support from Dany Reis, two trucks are scheduled to depart for Portugal, aiming to provide aid to those in need and facilitate a fresh start for the affected communities.
Driving Impact and Solidarity
As Silva Duarte and his team work tirelessly to support the victims of the forest fires, their efforts exemplify the power of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis. By coming together and extending a helping hand, individuals like Silva Duarte showcase the resilience and generosity that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing adversity.