Unilever.edu.vn is committed to highlighting the stories of organizations making a difference. In the wake of Hurricane Idalia’s devastating impact on Florida, we spoke with Jeremy Locke, co-founder of Aerial Recovery, a non-profit organization specializing in disaster relief.
Having just assisted victims of Hurricane Idalia in North Carolina, Jeremy and his team raced to Florida to provide immediate aid to those in need. We were curious to learn about the situation on the ground and the experiences of those affected.
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Unilever.edu.vn: Jeremy, we understand your team began rescue efforts overnight, with seven rescues already completed. Can you tell us more about these rescues? Are the individuals involved safe?
Jeremy Locke: Thankfully, everyone is safe. We received tips through social media about rapidly rising floodwaters trapping people in their homes. Guided by concerned family members, our team arrived to find chest-high water. We were able to successfully evacuate a pregnant mother, a two-year-old child, and several other individuals, including a dog.
Unilever.edu.vn: That’s incredible, Jeremy. You must have been a beacon of hope for those families. During those rescues, did anyone share their reasons for staying despite the evacuation orders? We understand everyone has their own circumstances.
Jeremy Locke: Honestly, the overwhelming sentiment was gratitude. They were just incredibly thankful we were there. It’s likely many faced economic barriers prevented them from evacuating. We were fortunate to reach them in time and provide assistance.
Unilever.edu.vn: From your vantage point, can you describe the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia?
Jeremy Locke: Having witnessed the aftermath in North Carolina, I can say the destruction is significant. Power outages are widespread, affecting millions of residents. We’re currently in South Sarasota, where there’s no electricity. Downed power lines, uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and even boats strewn across roads are common sights. The combination of strong winds and surging waters has left a trail of destruction.
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Unilever.edu.vn: Jeremy, your team at Aerial Recovery is doing incredible work. We know you rely heavily on volunteers and donated equipment. What does it mean to you personally to be able to provide this level of support and receive such heartfelt gratitude from those you help?
Jeremy Locke: I spent 20 years in the US Army, including 10 years with the Special Forces. While I witnessed a lot of suffering, our mission wasn’t always directly focused on providing aid to those in need. At Aerial Recovery, our mission centers around helping people in desperate situations. It’s incredibly fulfilling for me and the entire team to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.
Unilever.edu.vn: Your dedication to serving others is truly inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Jeremy. Stay safe out there.
As we’ve learned from Jeremy and the team at Aerial Recovery, the spirit of compassion and the willingness to step up during times of crisis are essential human qualities. Unilever.edu.vn commends the tireless work of organizations like Aerial Recovery and all those working to rebuild and recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia.
