Tyler Perry has kept his word about sending help to the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. According to TMZ, the movie mogul sent essential items to the Abaco Islands after posting the following message to his Instagram feed:
“To all the incredible people of the Bahamas who have welcomed me and called me an adoptive son, I want you to know that I am watching closely, and as soon as I can, I will be there to do whatever I can to help you rebuild stronger and better. You’re not only in my heart and my prayers, you’re in my blood. God bless you. Stay Bahamas strong. The sun will shine agin [sic].”
The philanthropist, who owns a 25-acre island in the Bahamas named White Bay Cay, sent a private plane reportedly filled with supplies, water, juice, diapers, sleeping bags, hygiene products, and more. There were two trips already made and more are expected in the near future. The Hill reported that a source close to Perry confirmed that the filmmaker returned with seven people, including children and a pregnant woman, who required medical attention.
The Category 5 storm has devastated the Caribbean nation’s largest island, destroying homes, properties, vehicles, and even placing the airport underwater. As of now, the death toll had reached 45 people, which is expected to rise to the thousands by the time officials survey the area. At least 70,000 people are homeless on Abaco and Grand Bahama, the United Nations estimated early Saturday.
Perry is one of many celebrities who have made donations and/or helped out in some way. Rapper Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges has pledged to donate all of the proceeds from his LudaDay Weekend, which he claims in an Instagram post raised more than $100,000. Rihanna has pledged on her Twitter account that she and her foundation, Clara Lionel Foundation, will also raise money to support the victims and the Bahamas. Meanwhile, Hampton University will allow displaced students at the University of the Bahamas-North to finish their studies free of a charge for one semester at the HBCU.
