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No Killjoy Drive rallies relief forces
Published:
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Soca artiste Bunji Garlin helps with the collection drive.
Immediately after the havoc wreaked by flooding in the Diego Martin area last weekend, soca artiste and radio announcer Devon Matthews sent out a call to arms in the form of a tweet for relief aid for people adversely affected by the floods. Three days later, hundreds of concerned citizens, local entertainers and small business owners have answered the call. They have come together and are assisting daily, by collecting, transporting and distributing goods, such as mattresses, bottled water, canned foods and clothing to families in need. “It just started with an idea,” said Matthews. “I was seeing everything happening and decided that I had to help so I sent out a message and told some of my friends and neighbours.” Matthews said the first people to respond to him were the “flag crew” Spanglers, a popular staple at fetes during the Carnival season. “They came together and donated items, no questions asked. Then Bunji (Garlin) saw the tweet and started spreading the message and he and Fay Ann came out and supported what we were doing.”
“It was just a vibe, and then bpTT’s twitter profile I4TANDT retweeted my message and I got over 100 responses.” Matthews is not affiliated with any charitable organisation. He is just a man on a mission that is yet to be accomplished. “When I sent that tweet, it was with the expectation that I would help for that one day. We are on day three, and we are still doing the work, because there are still people that need the help.” And while it may have started with just Matthews idea, he has been joined by other people from various parts of the country. “Support has been big. We have had people come from San Fernando to bring items. Knycky Cordner, Mr King and a whole lot of other people are making it a priority to help.” He said friends from radio stations, small businesses, Nestle and other concerned citizens had made contact and helped with the initiative.
Matthews had initially asked for clothes, water and mattresses but people also sent a variety of other things. He said that morning he had went on air at the radio station he worked, and called on a furniture store to supply beds. “The store didn’t donate directly but the staff pooled their money and donated mattresses. E360 Degrees Ltd, a company associated with ANSA chemicals donated bleach.” Matthews and his team drive through the affected areas and look for the people who really need the help. “We just go with the flow, when we are driving through it is easy to spot those who are really in need and we stop and help them however we can.” He has named the drive the No Killjoy Drive, refusing to let anything kill the joy of supporters, or “sour their vibes.” The drive is an example of how one positive thought can multiply and produce a huge action and proof that there is still beauty and kindness left in T&T, all that’s needed is a push.”
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