St. Thomas, VI — June 16, 2024 — Today at the Share the Sun Event, Rotary Club of St. Thomas East Eco, in collaboration with Community Action Now (CAN), is launching the next phase of the Share the Sun (STS) Affordable Portable Solar Program. This initiative aims to provide affordable, reliable power solutions to low- and moderate-income families, to register online for the program at www.communityactionnow.org or call (CAN) 340-642-4266 for an in-person appointment.

The Virgin Islands are currently experiencing frequent blackouts, causing significant disruptions to daily life, especially as we enter hurricane season. The US Virgin Islands is an unincorporated territory under the jurisdiction of the President of the United States. Residents are citizens of the United States. The rate of power outages is significantly higher for families in the territory compared to the rest of the United States. Backup generators provide a vital solution to this ongoing issue. Doug White, Environmental Chairperson for the Rotary Club of St. Thomas East Eco, announces that portable solar generators are now available for retail purchase. The proceeds from these sales will fund the Share the Sun low to moderate income program, ensuring more families can access this essential technology.

“The Nature’s Generator, NG Gold model, has been selected for its versatility and reliability,” said Doug White, Environment Chairperson for Rotary.

Product Availability

The portable solar power backup units are available for $1,200 each. A sample unit is displayed at the Rotary Club’s Red Hook Thrift Store in St. Thomas and the Island Green Resource Depot in St. John. The revenue generated from retail sales will be used to offset the expenses of providing generators to low- and moderate-income families in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the cost of living is already high and financial stability is a concern. The initiative builds on the success of the first phase, which provided both rooftop solar units and portable solar units to homeowners in 2022. The current phase focuses on cost-effective options to ensure continuous power during outages.

Donations to assist with the low to moderate income families are welcomed, and can be made at Rotary East Eco PayPal Account or mail checks to 6501 Red Hook Plaza, Ste 201-102, St. Thomas, VI 00802, make payable to Rotary East Foundation.

Founded in 1905, Rotary is one of the largest service organizations in the world. The mission of Rotary, as stated on its website, is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders

###

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only:

Shelley Williams

404-405-5645

shelleytsewole@yahoo.com

For more information on Product:

Doug White

Environmental Chairperson, Rotary Club of St. Thomas East Eco

Phone: 340-690-0217

Email: dougkwhite@gmail.com