St. Croix-native Tim Duncan, well-known retired NBA player, was on-island again this weekend to distribute Thanksgiving groceries to his former community affected by Hurricane Maria. This distribution took place in the parking lot of Pueblo La Reine on Saturday. Each of the 5,500 bags given out included cooked ham, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce and other traditional holiday foods – with consideration to most residents still without power.
This was one of many hurricane relief efforts Duncan has orchestrated since Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck his beloved U.S. Virgin Islands. He also released a video that included footage filmed by Chris Hanley surrounding Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The purpose of the video was to continue Duncan’s fundraiser for hurricane relief. Damage from Hugo destroyed the pool at Duncan’s St. Croix school, where he trained as an aspiring swimmer. He took up basketball as an alternative and is now known as the greatest power forward of all-time.
Duncan’s tireless efforts have raised more than $2.7 million for hurricane relief. He personally matched the first million dollars donated. The usually introverted professional athlete has ventured greatly out of his comfort zone, stepping into the limelight to be a voice raising awareness for the islands he loves (Duncan was raised on St. Croix and keeps a home on St. Thomas). The food distribution this weekend was one of many he’s made possible, which have taken place on all three major U.S. Virgin Islands.
What makes Duncan’s efforts different from other celebrities who have sent funding or resources to the Caribbean, is that he has also been boots on the ground. He’s one of the people cutting open pallets of supplies as they arrive at the airport, setting up tables at food distributions and helping neighbors fix fences. This weekend’s event makes Duncan’s fourth trip to the territory since Hurricane Irma and Maria struck in September. His heartwarming efforts show no signs of stopping…
If your home on St. Croix or St. Thomas was seriously damaged by recent hurricanes, The Farchette & Hanley Team can help in your search for a new home. We also have a property management team that specializes in rentals. Please contact us today for assistance.