The Mahoran community is rallying to support Mayotte after the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, which swept through the island just days ago. Organizations and individuals residing primarily in Limoges, France, have begun orchestrated efforts to collect donations for those affected. A key player in this initiative is Camaridine Mistoihi, president of FC Mayotte Limoges and also affiliated with the Federation of Mahoran Associations of Metropolis (FAMM).
Starting from the weekend of December 21 and 22, 2024, the community mobilized quickly to gather non-perishable food items, clothing, and bottled water intended for cyclone victims. According to Mistoihi, about 200 people attended the initial organizational meeting, all feeling the weight of sadness following the cyclone's destruction. “Everyone is sad about what happened in Mayotte. There is especially deep concern from families. You can see it on their faces,” Mistoihi expressed.
The collection campaign aims to provide essentials to those who have lost everything due to the cyclone. Before any items can be shipped, the community faces the challenge of funding the container needed to transport these donations. The estimated cost of this shipping is around 6,000 euros. Planning efforts include the establishment of donation points at Formaplus, located at 18 rue de Verdun in Limoges, where community members can drop off their contributions daily.
"We need water and non-perishable food, especially canned goods and rice or pasta. The need is great because people currently don't have anything to eat or drink," Mistoihi urged as he coordinated the efforts to centralize donations from various associations. With the need for efficient logistical planning, he emphasized the complexity of collecting, storing, and distributing the aid effectively. "We’ve had to think carefully about how to gather and focus these efforts since there have been many different initiatives springing up. It’s important to have organization behind these actions to maximize our impact," he said.
Looking beyond local efforts, the city of Limoges voted to grant 30,000 euros of emergency assistance to the French foundation supporting the efforts for Mayotte. Local entities are stepping up their support, with public facilities like Formaplus opened up for the donation drives. This broad community engagement speaks volumes about the collective effort to help those suffering back home.
“Even though we cannot be present physically, my heart is there. I feel the need to help these people who have lost everything,” shared Bonette, emphasizing his commitment to the cause through his financial contributions.
After successful container funding, the collected goods will be shipped by boat, which may take up to two months to reach Mayotte. Camaridine Mistoihi noted, “Even if it takes months, it will be necessary. Right now, we don't have commercial shipping lines happening, so delays are inevitable. But we want to send these supplies as soon as possible to make life just a little easier for those affected.”
Meanwhile, fundraisers are underway to help cover the cost of shipping. A crowdfunding campaign was initiated on Leetchi, allowing individuals to contribute financially toward the efforts. This not only facilitates logistics but reinforces the community's determination to aide their kin across the seas.
Collectively organized efforts, spearheaded by local associations, signal the importance of solidarity during crises. The Mahoran community's response to Cyclone Chido is not just about sending physical aid, but about showing those back home they are not forgotten and reinforcing bonds of support among families and friends, regardless of distance.
Anyone interested in donating can drop off items at Formaplus during designated hours from December 23 to 29, where volunteers will be available to assist with the collection. A permanent reception will be held every day from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM. Efforts continue, and the Mahoran community remains steadfast and united—beyond borders, to provide help where it’s needed most.
