How you can help Puerto Rico right now.
After Hurricane María passed through Puerto Rico, many amazing people reached out to us to see how they could help the Island recover. We were honored to participate and help in many initiatives during the past year, and with the generosity of thousands of people, we were able to make a difference and start the process of rebuilding or our beautiful Island. The hurricane was hard, but the resilience of our people was stronger. We are proud to state the simple fact: Puerto Rico is Open For Business!
Our show helps in many ways: it generates thousands of jobs, it moves the economy, it promotes local talent and products, it showcases the beauty of our Island as a travel destination. But this is not enough: and this is where YOU can make a difference. You see, our show is once a year. With your help, you can make an impact during the other 11 months of the year, and it’s very simple:
1) Come to our Island. Often. Make it your first destination when you think of traveling or recommend it to a friend. Even if it’s for a weekend! You can’t imagine how many of us depend on Tourism as a way to provide for our family and to help the economy move forward.
2) Eat at any local restaurant or grab a drink at a neighborhood bar. After the hurricane, many small companies tried their best to continue to open their doors, defying the odds as much as possible. Thousands are now operating without a hitch, serving our delicious cocktails and food. When you make a reservation or order a couple of drinks, you’re more than just paying a bill, you’re celebrating their accomplishments.
3) Thousands of Puerto Ricans left the Island and are currently living in the Mainland. While some have found great opportunities and a better quality of life, some are still unable to find a home or a place to work. Do you have a business or know someone who does? Help them find employment. Help them get back on their feet. A job means hope, a future... a chance.
4) When you come to visit Puerto Rico, explore the Island. There are hundreds of cool places you can see beyond Old San Juan. The Kiosks at Luquillo, the Bioluminescent Bay at La Parguera, the Road to Happiness at Rincón, The Coca Falls at El Yunque, Cueva Ventana at Arecibo... we can go on and on!
5) Buy local products online. You can’t imagine how many cool things you can purchase that are made here. From candles, makeup and clothing to the thing we love the most: comic books!
6) Support local artists. Buy their illustrations, art, comic books, t-shirts. Share their fan pages, retweet their amazing work. There is SO MUCH talent here! Word of mouth is a powerful thing. It can change lives.
7) Spread the good news. Saw a great article on how we’re doing better? Share it. Found a great photo of a friend having fun at the Island? Retweet it. We don’t need to dwell on the past. We want to celebrate the achievements we have made. We want to show the world that they can come to our Island and truly enjoy it. Our message is simple: we have moved on to better things, you should come and see it for yourself.
To all the wonderful people who have shown a true love for Puerto Rico, thank you. Sometimes, real heroes don’t wear capes.
Much love from all the PRCC Team and Geekricans all around the world.
