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Below Deck Med Chef Ben Robinson and João Franco Team Up for Dorian Relief Efforts (UPDATED)
Below Deck Mediterranean chef Ben Robinson and bosun João Franco are working to meet the urgent needs of those in Hurricane Dorian's path.
UPDATE (11:53 A.M. EST, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019): Below Deck Mediterranean's crew members João Franco and Chef Ben Robinson have been working to provide relief to Hurricane Dorian's victims in the Bahamas. Chef Ben took to Instagram to update followers on their efforts — and share ways to help.
"Just to update you, so I'm at this wonderful outfit called Nomad surf shop [in Boynton Beach] right now and as you can see, these guys are loading into that truck a lot of different stuff, nonperishable foods, lots of water — bloody heavy water by the way," he said, underscoring that help is needed and where to direct it. "Just to keep you notified this is a drop-off point for the next few days: Nomad surf shop in [Boynton Beach]."
He continued, "This is the drop-off point: They need medical stuff, they need nonperishable food items, they need tarps, they need a lot of stuff, paper goods, sanitary goods, female products, baby products including food and the rest — that would be brilliant."
He also directed followers again a the GoFundMe link: "Donate money, anything helps." Ben and his assistant each donated $1,000, and his clients are also stepping up to contribute. "Any bit counts," Ben reiterated.
Original story continues below:
Below Deck Mediterranean's crew stays working hard — not just for yacht charter guests on the Sirocco, but also when it comes to giving back to communities in need. Right now, the need is especially urgent for victims of Hurricane Dorian's wrath — and João Franco and Chef Ben Robinson have teamed up in efforts to meet those needs.
Bosun João (who explained that he has never even personally been to the Bahamas before) shared a video on Instagram, in which he explained a program he spearheaded. "So, what a day — we managed to get a plane out with medical supplies, with medical personnel to help all those in need in the Bahamas with absolutely nothing but social media. We have another plane going out tomorrow… Ben's joining me tomorrow, which will be fantastic."
On his Instagram Stories, Chef Ben shared more as he boiled some eggs in Florida: "Beautiful morning here in Fort Lauderdale. Hi everyone, good morning... So, as you can see, I've got some eggs on the boil for me and my boy João and we will be helping with the Dorian relief program in the Bahamas. So, we’re doing some coordination and we’re gonna keep you posted throughout the day and we’re gonna let you know which charity organizations to donate money to and also the drop-off places. I hope everyone is well. So, join me on our mission, thank you so much."
Want to help? Consider making a donation to the GoFundMe João shared.